Specialty Wines
Creativity knows no boundries. Jim Clendenen is fascinated by all aspects of wine resulting in a myriad of labels, varietals and partnerships. Among them are the Barham Mendelsohn, Ici la-Bas, and Vita Nova wine labels. All are of superlative quality.
A deep, full flavored Cabernet with berry and spice notes. Vita Nova is a label we use for Bordeaux varietals. There are microclimates within vineyards in Santa Barbara County that have the right conditions to create rich but supple Cabernets of density, character, and are fruit forward.
An Italian-inspired "Super Tuscan" blend of Sangiovese (45%), Cabernet Franc (33%) and Merlot (22%). Perfectly aged. Dark, rich, velvety with oodles of life left. Recently tasted next to a new $78 local "reserve" Cab and it blew it away. Buy this wine now - it's a steal!