News from the Vineyard

May 19, 2021
by Justine Puaud

Homage to Jim Clendenen
The “Mind Behind” au Bon Climat in Santa Barbara County

Jim Clendenen, the boisterous, rebellious winemaker of Au Bon Climat and an influential force in the international wine scene, passed away on May 15, 2021 at age 68.

Jim created Au Bon Climat in 1982 and was quickly recognized as a winemaker icon for his Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.

He regarded Burgundy as the benchmark to which he should aspire, bringing clones of Pinot Noir from Burgundy in a bid to make wines with restraint and finesse. His wines combined the precision and grace of Burgundy with the flair of the West Coast.

In addition to his wine expertise, Jim was a legendary bon vivant. An expert in cuisine, he made hospitality an integral part of his personality. Jim especially enjoyed cooking for visitors at Au Bon Climat and organizing long and epic lunches!

We will remember him as a flamboyant California pioneer with an incredible talent and a big heart. RIP Jim…

Below is a tribute from Daniel who was friends with Jim for over 30 years.
“Jim Clendenen was not just a friend. He was an essential part of the natural order of my/our world of wine. We met at Becky Wasserman’s home in 1986 or 87 and his presence and spirit filled the room with joy. He has been a constant presence without even seeing or speaking to each other. He was just always there keeping our wine world as it should be. It has taken me a few days now to digest the enormity of his absence. I still can not grasp how deflated everything feels. Like the air poofing out of a balloon and falling flat. Let’s raise a glass to this enormous larger than life individual who gave us all so much joy. Merci you darn francophile vinophile Californian hippie!”

Click here to watch the full recording of his At Home Session from last August below.