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.
Our "reserve" Viognier is a luscious, viscous dry white. Subtle aromas of pear, stone fruit and honeydew melon are joined by white peach and tangerine blossom on the palate.
Fresh and exotic, with subtle rose petal and Asian fruit notes. It is not oily or unctuous but rather crisp and dry. This combined with an elegant sophistication makes it a delight in warm weather. It is also wonderful with spicy Thai cuisine or a pork roast. A classic.
Cool climate Viognier is hard to find in California. Le Bon Climat is truly cool climate, located on the edge of the Santa Maria Valley, providing ideal conditions for this varietal. The 2017 offers restrained melon, pear and honeysuckle notes along with excellent structure and balanced acidity. The viscosity is rich but understated.
This is a little known grape variety, 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. Since only 1 barrel was made, we are making this available to wine club members only.
This is a limited Club-only wine. Club members login to purchase.
A cheery pink-bordering-on-crimson color that is beautiful in the glass. Delicate aromas of ripe wild strawberry and watermelon makes this enticing. Dry with complex flinty notes. Try this wine as an aperitif, or match with grilled chicken, smoked ham, or spicy mid-eastern fare.
"The 2018 Aligote from Clendenen Family is fabulous. Varietal citrus, mineral and floral notes emerge from an Aligote that has all the taut energy the variety is so well known for, but with an extra kick of richness that fills out the wines frame and adds body. The 2018 is positively stellar." Antonio Galloni, Vinous. Score: 91 Points
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 shelfish. Score 91 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous.
Fresh and exotic, with subtle rose petal and Asian fruit notes. It is not oily or unctuous but rather crisp and dry. This combined with an elegant sophistication makes it a delight in warm weather. It is also wonderful with spicy Thai cuisine or a pork roast. A classic.
Fresh and exotic, with subtle rose petal and Asian fruit notes. It is not oily or unctuous but rather crisp and dry. This combined with an elegant sophistication makes it a delight in warm weather. It is also wonderful with spicy Thai cuisine or a pork roast. A classic.
A worthy little brother to our CFV "Le Bon Climat" Chard at half the price. This is a curvaceous wine offering apple, stone fruit and subtle tropical fruit aromas and flavors underscored by minerality.
