Clendenen Family Vineyards Chardonnay “The Pip” 2015
In the Fall of 2018 I took a trip to Santa Barbara, CA to visit a few selective wineries and taste some of their current offerings, particularly the Rhone blends. There were four of us tasting wines and my comments, on each of the wines tasted, incorporate nuances from everyone’s palate. It was a great trip, the wines were outstanding and the folks I met at each of the wineries were extremely informative, helpful and very generous with their time. The wineries have “Wine Clubs” which offer some tremendous, small production, wines that can only be obtained directly from the vineyard. I recommend to try a “Club”, click this “WineClubLink” to go to their site. I highly recommend a trip to Santa Barbara, you will not be disappointed! Keep checking back with SippingFineWine.com for all of the wineries visited, wines tasted and comments regarding the wines, wineries and folks I met.
At Au Bon Climat, winemaker/owner Jim Clendenen started a label so he can make small lots of artisan distinctive wines. He crafts these wines with care and is concerned with producing a high quality product, despite how long production takes, some of these wines spend up to 5 years of barrel age.
Pip was a border collie at the winery and an entire line-up of wines was named after her (Side Note: My daughter has a bird named ‘Pip‘ see picture below).
Important attributes of “Pip” wines are a shorter barrel age with less new wood using fruit from younger vines. These wines are drinkable upon release. Medium straw color, delicate aromas of stone and tropical fruits. On the palate subtle fruit flavors of apple and pear, with a mineral character. Medium finish enjoyable, good value! Tasting Sample!
Cheers!