2021 Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

Santa Maria Valley, one of California’s coolest wine-growing regions, is perfect for quality Pinot Noir. This wine is sourced from two top vineyards: Bien Nacido, known for its magnificent aromatics, and Runway, noted for its density and richness. We ferment our Pinot Noir in 5-ton open-top fermenters, punching down the cap at least twice daily to extract the best flavours. After pressing to complete dryness, the wine is aged 16 months in 10% new Francois Frères French oak barrels to highlight the vibrant fruit. It was lightly fined, and then bottled unfiltered.

Tasting note

This is a tighter, more structured Pinot emphasising the distinctive, vibrant fruit character of the Santa Maria Valley appellation. Wonderful cranberry, dark cherry, pomegranate, and earthy spice aromatics and flavours are supported by a medium-full palate and a long finish. It is a wonderful pairing with grilled salmon, barbecued pork ribs, or lamb chops.

Winemaker notes