Synopsis, Our Opinion: We called it an alluring Chardonnay
and said it was a four thumbs up value!!!
Producer/Winery: Jim, Isabelle and Knox Clendenen; Clendenen Family Vineyards; Au Bon Climat; Santa Maria, California.
Grape Variety: Chardonnay.
Geographic Appellation, Region, Country: Santa Maria Valley; Central Coast, California.
Vintage: 2016
Price: $40.00 (with a club discount)
Purchased From: Au Bon Climat tasting room; Santa Barbara, California.
Paired With: Seared salmon with orange curry sauce, oven fried potatoes and coleslaw.
Tasting:
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Chilled before drinking. Crystal clear, light oat straw color. Strong pear, vanilla and pineapple aromas with a tiny bit of citrus and with hints of orange blossoms. Smooth entry, creamy, rich, with a slightly dusty and lively mouthfeel, medium body and a 150-grit texture. Ripe pear, tart apple, mineral and a smidgen of pineapple flavors. Fresh edgy acidity and a long clean finish that was filled with pear and bitter tastes. WOW, WOW, WOW this Chardonnay stood out with its rich pear flavors from the first sniff to the lingering aftertaste. It had fantastic texture, opulent flavors and was fresh as a daisy. We thought it was unique from other Au Bon Climat Chardonnay with its superb fruit core that clarifies the conspicuous side while the texture and acidity highlights its lush underlying structure. Yes, it’s a California wine, but we called it an alluring Chardonnay and said it was a four thumbs up value!!!
Photo from au bon climat.
See our reviews of other Jim Clendened and Au Bon Clamat wines.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Closure: Aluminum covered with an unusually long 55mm Natural cork.
UPC Code: 8 57835 00310 8
Imported by: Not applicable.