AU BON CLIMAT - Santa Barbara - Pinot Noir 2018
Au Bon Climat is located in California, United States. Owner-winemaker Jim Clendenen is one of the most famous personalities in the American wine industry. Graduated from the University of Law in Santa Barbara with first class honors in 1976, he subsequently spent a month in Burgundy and Champagne which convinced him to try a career in wine rather than pursue his studies in Law. In 1982, Clendenen decided, with Adam Tolmach, to create an estate dedicated to Burgundy grape varieties in rented premises. Adam left in 1990 to pursue his own career, leaving Jim alone in charge. Au Bon Climat sources its fruit from several of the Central Coast's most renowned wineries. These include Clendenen's own 'Le Bon Climat' vineyard and 'Bien Nacido' vineyard plantations - both in the Santa Maria Valley, as well as the Sanford & Benedict vineyard in Santa Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (county of Santa Barbara) and Talley Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County.
Santa Barbara County's first “great” vineyard was planted by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict in 1971, first with Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, then later with Pinot Noir vines from Karl Wente. Burgundy varieties had found their place in Santa Barbara County. But it wasn't until 2001 that the Santa Rita Hills region, where the vineyard resides, was recognized for its distinctiveness and became a true American Viticultural Area (AVA). Located at the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley, its sea winds create a very cool vine growing climate where the classic Burgundy grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, thrive.
Au Bon Climat has been making Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County grapes since 1982. The grapes are partially destemmed (40%) and macerated for a long time with punching down and pumping over carried out regularly. The malolactic fermentation is full and happens in barriques. The wine is aged from 12 to 18 months in wooden barrels.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir