Clendenen Family
This not just another label, it is 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. Scored 94 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
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.
A deep, layered red with aromas and flavors of plums, dried roses and earth. Five years barrel age brought all the compents together harmoniously. Balance between the richness, the bright acidity, and moderated tannins, make this wine a versatile food wine. Enjoy with grilled salmon, roast pork, or mushroom risotto.
This is a serious Chenin Blanc - classic quince and crisp apple-like flavors are beautifully stated. It was fermented in neutral barrels until dry, perfecting the structure to show off excellent richness and acidity. It was bottled early to capture the freshness. A holiday must.
Sumptuous, creamy and wonderfully inviting. The natural density and weight of the vintage are evident, and yet the wine retains terrific balance to play off a core of orchard fruit, pineapple, passionfruit, oak toastiness and floral notes. Grown in Clendenen’s certified organic, home vineyard planted in 1998. Scored 94 points/Editor's Choice Wine Enthusiast.
Dense and inky yet with grace. Lovely Bordeaux characteristics along with a classic dark berry character and medium, dusty tannins. Drinking very well now, but has the structure to easily age 5-10 years.
A knockout - rich, creamy, balanced. For this limited edition Chard, the finest lots of Bien Nacido fruit were barrel fermented in super expensive, custom-made Francois Freres barrels. The style is more complex and intense than our ABC counterpart. Scored 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
From new vines, the 2019 Aligote offers a lively, fresh fruit character of citrus, pear, with mineral and floral notes. It is dry and well structured. Here is a definite "porch pounder" - fantastic for warm weather, outdoor fish fries, and everyday sippin'. Scored 91 points Wine Enthusiast.
Beautiful. Ripe black cherry, plum, spice, licorice, cedar and new leather are some of the many notes that emerge from this wine. It's creamy and ample in feel, with tons of richness and impeccable overall balance. Scored 96 points Wine Enthusiast; 93 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 91 points Wine Spectator; 91+ points Jeb Dunnuck.
Delicious! This bright, deep red has a varietal aroma of rose petal and ripe strawberries joined by flavors of Maraschino cherries with a mild note of pomegranate giving an impression of good acidity and structure though so very drinkable. The resulting wine is mouth filling and complex. Enjoy with grilled sausage or burgers.
