Au Bon Climat Central Coast Pinot Noir 1995/1996

That wine was a one off production for us exclusively for the European market. Au Bon Climat produced a Central Coast appellation wine one time and it’s actually a blend of those two vintages. Au Bon Climat is more than a winery It is a state of mind. The vision to create world-class, Burgundian-styled Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of intrigue, longevity, and balance using traditional principles was set in 1982 by Jim Clendenen, after exploratory trips to Burgundy. It never changed. By incorporating Old World winemaking in a New World wine region, the wines inherently carry their own signature but still resonate restraint and equilibrium. Barrel fermentation, whole cluster pressing, lees aging, and substantial time in François Frères barrels are standard practices at ABC. Hand-picked grapes are harvested at a sugar level that encourages the wine to age slowly. These are not flashy, exaggerated wines. Rather, they are layered, well-structured, and lower in alcohol. Jim Clendenen assembled a dedicated winery team that understood and shared his manifesto early on. This committed crew became the Au Bon Climat wine family. The symmetry between creating masterful wines, a gratifying/mentoring work environment, and a strong, like-minded community, has brought loyalty and a shared sense of vision to the winemaking style that remains to this day. (Au Bon Climat)

Bewertung Jahrgang: ****/*****