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Tributes pour in for Santa Barbara pioneer Jim Clendenen
Tributes have been pouring in for Santa Barbara pioneer Jim Clendenen following the sad news that he has died at the age of 68.
Clendenen, of Au Bon Climat, died in his sleep on 15 May at his home in the Los Alamos district near the California town of Buellton, it was reported this week.
“He was a party animal and rabble-rouser, yet the wines he made, with admirable consistency, were models of long-lived restraint; the exact opposite of exhibitionist,” Jancis Robinson MW, who gave him his ‘Wild Boy’ moniker, said earlier this week.
“The wine world is much the poorer without this brave pioneer. Always the life and soul of any Pinot Noir celebration, he was bright as a button,” she added.
And tributes have been pouring in for Clendenen as the week has gone on.
“We are mourning the loss of Jim Clendenen. We lost a winery legend, a true icon, a visionary. There is a huge void where Jim Clendenen should be and we are in shock. His absence will be keenly felt, but his legacy will continue.” Au Bon Climat wrote on its Instagram page.
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“My father was a very generous, bright, and candid man. Beyond wine, his contributions to the culinary world were tremendous. He was an icon to many, but most importantly, he was a very caring Father. He made sure my brother and I wanted for nothing. His loss effects so many, but his impact will never be lost to any of us. It means a lot to me that he was celebrated and loved by so many.” His daughter, Isabelle, added.
“Jim Clendenen was one of a kind. Very sad to hear that he died. Last time we saw Jim was February 2018 in San Francisco at a party during La Paulée. Of course he was sharing nearly 20-year old Chardonnay! RIP Jim,” wrote Bruce Sanderson, senior editor at Wine Spectator, on Twitter.
Jim Clendenen was one of a kind. Very sad to hear that he died. Last time we saw Jim was February 2018 in San Francisco at a party during La Paulée. Of course he was sharing nearly 20-year old Chardonnay! RIP Jim. https://t.co/BYiPROpNZC
— Bruce Sanderson (@BSandersonWine) May 17, 2021
“Rest in Peace my dear friend. Jim Clendenen was an incredible man, a legendary Winemaker, and a great friend. We are heartbroken and will miss him dearly.” restauranteur and chef Emeril Lagasse wrote.
Rest in Peace my dear friend. Jim Clendenen was an incredible man, a legendary Winemaker, and a great friend. We are heartbroken and will miss him dearly. https://t.co/8jSzGzcNh0
— Emeril Lagasse (@Emeril) May 17, 2021
“Just learned moments ago about the death of my friend, Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. He and I were of the same vintage (1953), even enjoyed a memorable all 1953 dinner together. I’m still stunned by the news.” Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard wrote.
Just learned moments ago about the death of my friend, Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. He and I were of the same vintage (1953), even enjoyed a memorable all 1953 dinner together. I’m still stunned by the news.
— Randall Grahm (@RandallGrahm) May 17, 2021
“I last spoke with Jim Clendenen in March, when I called him to chat about his Aligote, which remains one of my favorite wines he made. Jarring to look back through the transcript of that interview this morning while writing his obituary.” Esther Mobley, wine critic for the San Francisco Chronicle wrote.
I last spoke with Jim Clendenen in March, when I called him to chat about his Aligote, which remains one of my favorite wines he made. Jarring to look back through the transcript of that interview this morning while writing his obituary.https://t.co/3wAlqTPfJA
— Esther Mobley (@Esther_mobley) May 17, 2021
Clendenen was known for his generous hospitality – he would regularly cook lunch for his entire winery team and open back vintages to enjoy with it.