Synopsis, Our Opinion: A VERY UNIQUE Pinot Noir…silky with immaculate balance, yet saturated with unimpaired flavors, pliable tannins and opulent mouth-feel.
Producer/Winery: Jim Clendenen; Au Bon Climat; Santa Maria, California.
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir.
Geographic Appellation: California.
Vintage: 2014
Price: $50.00
Purchased From: Au Bon Climat tasting room; Santa Barbara, California.
Paired With: Roast chicken, fried rice and roasted asparagus.
Tasting:
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Opened one hour before drinking. Clear, ruby color with the same color rim. Savory earthy ripe plum and cherry aromas with potent whiffs of “Oklahoma” hybrid-tea rose blossoms. Smooth and approachable, medium body and 2,000-grit texture. Ripe cherry and plum flavors with an uninterrupted juicy-sweet raspberry taste in the background, plenty of soft acidity and well structured tannins. All this comes together in a long slightly spicy finish. WOW, WOW, WOW…this was absolutely intoxicating “New Caliifornia”1 Pinot Noir where you hope the next sip is not the last!!! From the first pour to the last the wine became more silky, yet carried the earthy sweet fruit flavors on and on. A VERY UNIQUE Pinot Noir…silky with immaculate balance, yet saturated with unimpaired flavors, pliable tannins and opulent mouth-feel.
1. Learn more about Jim Clendenen’s pioneering role in developing New California wine in Jon Bonné’s book The New California Wine
Photo from Au Bon Climat.
See all our reviews of Au Bon Climat wines.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork.
UPC Code: 8 50755 00024 0
Imported by: NA