2019 Au Bon Climat, La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

  • Red
  • Dry
  • Medium Bodied
  • Pinot Noir
Ready - youthful (Drink 2022 - 2032)
Jancis Robinson MW
17+/20
Jeb Dunnuck
89/100
Antonio Galloni
90/100
Product: 20191175394
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2019 Au Bon Climat, La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

Description

Sweet red cherries and strawberries dominate the nose of this wine, which has a lovely intensity and a smooth mouthfeel. In typical ABC fashion, however, this isn’t over-rich. By contrast, despite the depth and concentration of flavour, it is still very fresh, making it both a gentle and easy-to-enjoy wine. Morello cherries and macerated raspberries dominate the palate, completed by fresh red fruit and a stony mineral finish. Just lovely.

Catriona Felstead MW, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2019
Alcohol % 13.5%
Maturity Ready - youthful (2022 - 2032)
Grape List Pinot Noir
Body Medium Bodied
Producer Au Bon Climat

Critics reviews

Jancis Robinson MW 17+/20

‘Estate bottled’ is emblazoned on the front label. Fairly subtle aroma of violets and a very dry finish. Serious wine that is still in its infancy.

Drink 2021 - 2030
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com (Mar 2020)
Jeb Dunnuck 89/100

Moving to the Pinot Noirs, the translucent ruby-hued 2019 Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus offers good complexity in its mulled cherries, mulberry, sagebrush, and minty herb-like aromas and flavours. It's medium-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (Aug 2023)
Antonio Galloni 90/100

The 2019 Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-Dessus is attractive, but it is almost shockingly firm for a wine that has been in bottle for a few years. The high percentage of stem inclusion might have something to do with that. Bright red-toned fruit, dried flowers, mint and orange peel give this nervy Pinot an attractive upper register. It will be interesting to see if this softens a bit.

Au Bon Climat remains a reference point for Santa Barbara, perhaps THE reference point given the global reach these wines now enjoy. The last time I saw too many changes here was when Jim Clendenen passed away in early 2021, although most of these wines were made while he was still alive. 

The signatures are a fair amount of new oak for the Chardonnays, but often with prominent use of large and thick-staved 350L barrels and heavy use of whole clusters for the Pinots. The top selections often see extended time in wood. Of course, it all starts with sourcing at some of the very finest vineyards in Santa Barbara. 

Jim Clendenen influenced pretty much all of today’s younger generation, and that influence remains. Readers will find several compelling wines in this year’s crop of new releases.

Drink 2024 - 2031
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (Jul 2023)

About this wine

Santa Maria Valley

Santa Maria Valley

Located in Santa Barbara County, California, Santa Maria Valley is renowned for its exceptional wines and unique terroir. Its cool climate, influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean, makes it ideal for growing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Winemakers embrace minimal intervention and sustainable practices, allowing the true essence of the grapes and terroir to shine through in the wines.
Find out more