He was considered an icon not only of Californian viticulture, but worldwide. With his winery Au Bon Climat in Santa Barbara, Jim Clendenen showed the world what great Burgundy qualities the cool climate sites of the Californian Central Coast are capable of. Now, the cult winemaker has died in his sleep at the age of 68, as was reported on social networks and elsewhere.
In 1976, Clendenen had just finished his preparatory studies for law school when a trip to France, to Burgundy and Champagne, prompted him to discover his love for wine. He began working as an assistant winemaker at the Californian winery Zaca Mesa, travelling the wine regions of the world, harvesting grapes in California, France, Australia, sometimes even simultaneously.
Together with his former colleague Adam Tolmach from Zaca Mesa, he founded Au Bon Climat in 1982. Since 1990, he was the sole owner and winemaker. His elegant Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays have made it onto the best wine lists in the world.
Clendenen farmed the estate's own Le Bon Climat and owned parcels in California's top Bien Nacido Vineyard. He experimented with numerous grape varieties, mostly French, and produced outstanding Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Aligoté.
Jim Clendenen's innovation and uncompromising commitment to quality did much to make California a name in the world for elegant Burgundies as well. With his striking appearance as well as his personality, and with his love of wine and pleasure, he has certainly enriched the wine world in a very special way. aw
