COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2024
GRAPE
Pinot Noir
PRODUCER
Au Bon Climat
REGION
California
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Light
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
Medium - Low
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Au Bon Climat, meaning 'a well-exposed vineyard', was founded in 1982 by the legendary Jim Clendenen. Located on the grounds of the historic Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley, the winery became a pioneer in crafting balanced, food-friendly, and lower-alcohol wines at a time when California was dominated by highly extracted styles. Clendenen's vision of restraint and elegance is carried on today by his children, Knox and Isabelle, alongside long-time winemaking partners. This Santa Barbara County bottling is the estate's flagship regional blend, sourcing fruit from prestigious cool-climate vineyards across the Santa Maria and Los Alamos Valleys.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€35
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
14-16°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Au Bon Climat translates from French to 'a well-exposed vineyard', reflecting its cool-climate sourcing.
Fact 02
Founded in 1982 by the legendary Jim Clendenen, a pioneer who championed lower-alcohol, balanced wines in California.
Fact 03
The winery was crafting world-class Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara long before the 2004 movie 'Sideways' made the region famous.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for this Pinot Noir emphasizes traditional, low-intervention techniques. The grapes were entirely hand-harvested in September 2024. Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit was sorted and fermented in small, open-top fermenters. To gently extract color and tannins without harshness, the cap was managed with manual punch-downs performed twice daily. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 8 months in neutral François Frères French oak barrels, allowing the bright fruit characteristics to remain at the forefront while integrating a delicate, velvety texture.
