Synopsis, Our Opinion: A real find in the vast array of California Pinot Noirs.
Producer/Winery: Jim Clendenen; Au Bon Climat; Santa Maria, California.
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir.
Geographic Appellation,, Region, Country: Russian River Valley; North Coast, California.
Vintage: 2016
Price: $28.00 (with a club discount)
Purchased From: Au Bon Climat; Santa Maria, California.
Paired With: Grilled tuna and peas in macaroni and cheese.
Tasting:
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Opened 45-minutes before drinking. Clear, dark ruby color and a lighter purple rim. Strong earthy cherry, pomegranate, cranberry and cinnamon aromas. A WOW, smooth, exciting and wooing mouthfeel, medium body and a 150-grit texture. Overflowing with tart cherry, current and pomegranate fruit flavors. Well balanced medium acidity, fine grained, well integrated tannins and a potent flavorful fruit and licorice tasting finish that had just enough spiciness to make it interesting. WOW, WOW, WOW there is a lot going on with this wine. It’s a cornucopia of scrumptious mouthfeel and intoxicating subtle flavors. This was an inexpensive Pinot Noir that has it all together and tied up with a luscious purple ribbon. At this price you would expect a “garden variety” California Pinot Noir…and this was like a blue ribbon prize winner!!! We called it a real find in the vast array of California Pinot Noirs.
Photo from Au Bon Climat.
See all our reviews of Au Bon Climat wines.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Closure: Aluminum covered 55mm Natural cork.
UPC Code: 8 57835 00348 1
Imported by: Not applicable.