Unique Whites

Jim Clendenen graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with High Honors in Pre-Law in 1976. It was during his “junior year abroad” in 1974, while turning 21 in France, that he discovered life beyond tacos. After graduation, a one month stay in both Burgundy and Champagne convinced him to attempt a career in wine rather than continue on to law school. Beginning with the 1978 harvest, Jim Clendenen was assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery for three vintages, and in 1982, started his own winery – Au Bon Climat. The 2018 Au Bon Climat Pinot Gris – Pinot Blanc, Central Coast is simply delightful – a great summer refresher! This is the wine, once discovered, that will become your house white- it's just too thoroughly agreeable to ignore. A refreshing, dry white with citrus lemon/lime notes, flinty minerality, and crisp finish. In the mouth the wine is rich and textural, from the time spent on lees in the barrel. This is a great match with shellfish of any kind, or richer white meats such as turkey or duck.

Carol Shelton originally created the 2008 version of this wine to celebrate the 10th anniversary as a winery in 2010. With the exotic complexity and food friendliness of a white Rhone-style blend, it is a “red-drinker’s white,” a complex alternative to the more one-dimensional white varietal wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. It is the perfect complement to its namesake shellfish, as well as chicken or pork dishes with buttery-creamy sauces. Exotic nose of spicy pears and white peaches, almond paste/marzipan, a touch of honeysuckle perfume. Multi-dimensional, a hard-to-describe range of aromatics, intriguing, almost mysterious! In the mouth it is crisply dry yet creamy and round and full-bodied, with nice almond paste on crisp-yet-juicy pear fruit. 46% Grenache Blanc 24% Roussanne 24% Viognier 6% Marsanne.  1203 cases produced.

Blending wines was almost unthinkable when Conundrum White was born more than 25 years ago. Since then, this wine has attracted a loyal following and remains as inventive as ever. While the exact blend is under wraps, every vintage includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscat Canelli, and Viognier. Conundrum White is amazingly versatile, with intriguing tropical notes and natural acidity. Best served chilled. A light straw color, the 2016 vintage features scents of honeysuckle, wildflowers and lemon blossoms, layered with star fruit, honeydew and a trace of flinty gunpowder. Entry is crisp, with a vibrant acidity that flows into a rich roundness on the mid-palate. Citrus and pear mingle with exotic flavors of mango, coconut, and pineapple. This wine’s structure and texture give it multiple dimensions – lush yet fresh, subtle yet rich. A kick of bright acidity on the finish underscores its lively character, while notes of ripe fruit entice you back for another sip. 

“I find it hard to believe that this wine has been around for more than a quarter of a century. I was there and tasted the first Conundrum, and I found it quite fascinating then It was a white wine of a different sort and wine that I needed a little time before understanding it. Aromatic and tantalizing, Conundrum has always been a unique wine. The 2016 vintage is quite appealing. Its aromas and flavors of fragrant fruit, bright candy, and ripe melon make it a wine that would pair superbly with hot, spicy, and sweet dishes. Try it with a roast chicken breast accented with pickled scallions, water chestnuts, celery, cilantro, and a splash of chili oil.” Wilfred Wong