2019 Clendenden The Pip Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

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.

About Clendenen Family Vineyards from Au Bon Climat

Jim Clendenen often dreamed of having a small winery where commerce was not the driving force.  Instead, the dream was to have the luxury to keep wines long in barrel should they need it (5 years for the Nebbiolo!); to explore offbeat varietals and idiosyncratic styles because they are interesting. Created in 2000, the Clendenen Family brand is a project of passion. There is no doubt quality is here along with the ABC signature of balance, finesse, and longevity.

Au Bon Climat winery was totally devoted to making classic, Burgundian-styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. The convergence of cool, brisk Pacific air, marine-based soils, and east-west running valleys of the area provided an ideal place for growing exceptional grapes. Hence the name “Au Bon Climat,” the French idiom for “good place”.

Forty years later, the wines have earned a world-class reputation internationally. Jim Clendenen, “The Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat, set the objective and stayed true to its course. As the fads in California winemaking have come and gone, Au Bon Climat has maintained a laser focus in producing traditional, site-specific, nuanced, iconic wines.