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:
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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.
Photo from Au Bon Climat.
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.