I haven’t seen mention of it yet, so thought I’d post this for fans of Jim Clendenen’s wines. I’ve been fortunate to have had a few of the pinots from the 90s and they’ve all shown brilliantly.
His passing in 2021 was of course a major loss to the community, and a personal loss to many here. A good portion of the ABC library are being sold by K&L (and they are doing a dinner with Jim’s daughter Isabelle next month).
The prices are very, very attractive on library wines going back to the 1982 SBC pinot noir - the first wine he ever released, apparently!
I picked up almost 2 cases despite having no room. Thanks @Blake_Brown for your sage wisdom and experience on these wines!
I went through the list last night and although I’ve had a couple of those wines the past few years I am at a loss as to which vintages are worthwhile at this point, and CT seems to be lacking reviews…any help on what to pick out would be most appreciated!
UPDATE: Couldn’t wait - picked up a mixed case, heavy on the Isabelle wines as those were my favorites. Had to get one of the 1982 original bottlings of course and a few others. Good stuff, thanks for the PSA Vince!
If it is helpful, here is more info I replied to Vince:
"I’m a fan of the older Isabelle and Knox and all Pinots from Bien Nacido and S&B. Actually, all the rest are all good and great QPRs at $40-50. I’d go for older vintages here too. His wines were made to age,
2005 was a standout vintage according to Jim.
His Nebbiolos are outstanding and may have a few years to go to actually mature.
The Chardonnays age beautifully and all should be good."
The man spends his life as a pioneer, making fantastic and acclaimed wines and this is all his personal library with perfect provenance is worth? Prices should be 2x - 3x and the way they’re selling so quickly proves the point.
Felt the same when Calera’s library went up for sale. But good for the consumer.
Truly, thank you for this heads up. These are some of the first wines that I bought back in the day when I was getting started and still some of my favorites (related: they also have a couple of older Joseph Swan pinots right now). Absolute classics. And also excited to try those nebbiolos.
Apples to oranges I suppose, but the juxtaposition of this against the two current threads about $300+ Napa cab is wild.
My note from last year below - I’d buy a couple bottles, but the shipping issues…
2006 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley (10/6/2023)
Jim Clendenen has done it again. Mellow red fruits (raspberries, cherries up front, strawberries on the finish) sitting on flowers. Still has vibrancy and youthfulness to it, but maybe 2-3 years before it's past that point.
Based on the cork, I wonder if this was recorked and topped up at the winery. No idea if ABC even does that. (92 points)