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Jim Clendenen, founder of the Au Bon Climat winery and pioneer of the Santa Barbara wine region in California, died in his sleep on 15 May. His Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from the cool climate of the Santa Maria Valley are recognised and sought after worldwide. Burgundies were the great passion of Clendenen, described as "fearless and flamboyant", who founded the Au Bon Climat winery in 1982 in an old dairy and with second-hand equipment. Jancis Robinson MW nicknamed him "Wild Boy" and praised his wines as "models of long-lasting restraint, the opposite of exhibitionist. The wine world is much poorer without this courageous pioneer."
(al / Photo: aubonclimat.com)