Clendenen Family
This not just another label, it was a project of passion for winemaker/owner Jim Clendenen. These are artisan, small lots of distinctive wines where commerce is not the driving force. These wines have the luxury to be in barrel as long as they need it (5 years for the Nebbiolo!). Wines that are nuanced, long lived, food-friendly, with firm acidities, and moderate alcohol. For older vintages, see menu.
A blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier aged 3 years in barrel, A gorgeous perfume of crushed blackberries, fresh violets, and earthy spice. The palate is rich, with a deep, lush Syrah character that makes this wine intriguing and enjoyable now.
This is the pink-skinned cousin of Grenache Blanc, that is grown in the south of France. It creates an easy drinking wine that has massive appeal, with structure and flavors not unlike an expensive White Hermitage with its stone fruit aromas. From Jim's estate in Los Alamos, the fruit is barrel fermented and aged briefly 8 months in neutral french oak.
Exquisite. This is a serious Chenin Blanc showing classic quince and crisp apple-like flavors that are beautifully stated. Barrel fermentation in neutral french oak barrels until dry, compliments the intriguing minerality and firm acidity. Reminiscent of a Grand Cru Chablis.
Our estate Le Bon Climat Vineyard has matured, and the fruit is wonderful showing dried cherries/cranberries in the nose that follows through to the palate with a touch of Santa Maria brush. Surprisingly rich in the mouth. Worth twice the price.
Styled to emphasize the fruit from the noted Le Bon Climat vineyard, the Pip Chard is a great value. This is a curvaceous wine offering apple, stone fruit and subtle tropical fruit aromas and flavors underscored by minerality.
Intriguing subtle exotic fruit character suggesting Asian pear and lychee nut. It is not oily or unctuous but rather crisp and dry. Its Alsatian character and elegant sophistication makes it a delight as an appetizer with a charcuterie platter, but also serve with spicy Thai cuisine or a pork roast.
Delicious! This bright, deep red has a varietal aroma of rose petal and ripe strawberries joined by flavors of Maraschino cherries with a hint of tart pomegranate giving an impression of good acidity and structure, though so very drinkable. The resulting wine is mouth filling and complex.
Delightful! Dry and elegant, the wine shows a soft blush color with delicate aromas and flvors of ripe wild strawberry and watermelon backed complex flinty notes. Sophisticated enough for roast duck, or to have for poolside summer sippin'.
Elegant and complex. A crisp, dry, floral white with aromas of green almond, honey and honey suckle, and flavors of apple and pear. Never had it before? Try it. You won't be disappointed! Ideal with shellfish and sole meuniere. Scored 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
A deep, layered red with aromas and flavors of plums, dried roses and earth. Four years barrel age brought all the components together harmoniously. Balance between the richness, the bright acidity, and moderated tannins, make this wine a versatile food wine. Scored 92 points VinePair and one of the "The Best 50 Wines of 2021".
