title: Clendenen 2009 Le Bon Climat Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
description: Suave aromas of browned butter, preserved lemons and seared nectarine surround alkalinity on this purely-for-the-love side project of Jim Clendenen. The edges of the palate are lush and rich with vanilla cream, roasted nuts and butter, but the center holds laser-tight to singed lemon acidity before a finish that shows some marshmallow and nutmeg spice. The wine seems to be peaking now.
variety: Chardonnay
designation: Le Bon Climat