ABC Clendenen Family Pinot Noir 2019

Jim Clendenen, founder of Au Bon Climat in Santa Barbara County, California, is often called the “Mind Behind” the rise of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the region. The Clendenen Family range represents his more personal, artisanal bottlings, crafted in smaller lots. The 2019 vintage comes from carefully selected vineyard parcels across Santa Barbara County, a region marked by its transverse mountain ranges and cooling Pacific Ocean influence. This creates a long growing season ideal for Pinot Noir, balancing ripeness with bright acidity.

The wine was produced with traditional Burgundian inspiration: hand-harvested grapes, whole-cluster fermentation (in part, depending on vineyard lot), and aging in French oak barrels, with a proportion being new oak to lend structure and spice. Jim Clendenen’s philosophy emphasizes restraint, elegance, and longevity, with minimal intervention winemaking to allow the terroir to shine through.

Appearance
Clear medium ruby with a slight garnet edge, showing youthful vibrancy but beginning to suggest development with subtle translucence.

Aroma
Expressive and layered, offering ripe red cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, alongside darker tones of plum and subtle forest floor. Oak influence adds notes of baking spice, clove, and a hint of vanilla. Secondary complexity includes dried herbs, rose petals, and earthy undertones.

Taste
The palate is elegant and silky, with a core of red fruit balanced by savory and mineral elements. There is fine tension between ripe cherry and cranberry brightness and subtle earthy depth. Gentle oak integration adds spice and roundness without overpowering the fruit. The texture is supple, with refined acidity and fine-grained tannins.

Finish
Medium-long, lingering with red fruit, spice, and a touch of dried herb and earth. Balanced and food-friendly, showing both freshness and subtle complexity.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted duck, mushroom risotto, seared salmon, herb-crusted lamb, or charcuterie. Its balance of fruit, acidity, and earthy tones makes it highly versatile at the table.