Au Bon Climat - Pinot Noir - Sanford & Benedict Vineyard 2019
Au Bon Climat is located in California , United States . Owner-winemaker Jim Clendenen is one of the most well-known figures in the American wine industry. Graduated from the University of California Law in Santa Barbara with 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 vineyards. These include Clendenen's own "Le Bon Climat " Vineyard and the " Bien Nacido " Vineyard plantings - 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 of San Luis Obispo County.
Santa Barbara County's first "big" 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. Burgundian varieties had found their way to 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. Located on the western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley, its maritime winds create a very cool grape growing climate where the classic Burgundian grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, thrive.
After careful harvesting by hand early in the morning, the grapes arrive at the wine cellar very fresh. They allow cold soaking and slower fermentation, which allows for better extraction of aromas and flavors from the fruit. Half of the harvest was fermented whole cluster to increase the intensity and spicy notes of the grape variety. Once the grapes are dried, they are pressed and the wine is put into new François Frères French oak barrels . The wine was gently racked in late spring and returned to barrel for a total of 22 months .
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
