Clendenen Family Vintners (Au Bon Climat) Gamay 15 Shell Creek Vineyard 2017


Synopsis, Our Opinion: A sleeper that will suddenly become noticed with its bold, yet elegant personality.

Producer/Winery: Jim, Isabelle and Knox Clendenen; Clendenen Family Vineyards; Au Bon Climat; Santa Maria, California.

Grape Variety: Gamay.

Geographic Appellation, Region, Country: Paso Robles Highlands; Central Coast, California.

Vintage: 2017

Price: $17.00 (with a club discount)

Purchased From: Au Bon Climat tasting room, Santa Barbara, California.

Paired With: Hawaiian pizza: ham, onions, peppers, pineapple, mozzarella cheese and BBQ sauce.

Tasting:

    Opened one hour before drinking. Clear, ruby color with a slight purple tint and a lighter rim. Very nice raspberry, cherry, boysenberry and blooming peony aromas. Smooth entry, good concentration, fresh and dusty mouthfeel, medium body and a 150-grit texture. Dominated by raspberry and cherry fruit flavors accompanied by lots of tart tastes weaving through the fruit. Fresh, yet medium balanced acidity, fine grained tannins and a long elegant tannic and fruit finish. WOW, it’s like a Gamay on steroids with its hefty bouquet and bountiful tastes. The slightly rustic, light and fresh character make it more like a Beaujolais Nouveau than a Cru or villages Beaujolais from Burgundy. We especially liked the very well balanced acidity and fresh tastes. We called it a sleeper that will suddenly become noticed with its bold, yet elegant personality.

Jim Clendenen
Photo from Au Bon Climat.
Comments: Learn more about Jim Clendenen and his Au Bon Climat wines.
See our reviews of other Jim Clendened and Au Bon Clamat wines.

Alcohol Content: 13.5%

Closure: Aluminum covered 50mm Natural cork.

UPC Code: 8 57835 00311 5

Imported by: Not applicable.