Red Still Wine | America | California | 75cl
£66.95
/
£401.70
£381.62 case
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: America
Region: California
Wine Style: Medium Bodied
Grape: Pinot Noir
We are delighted to bring you the latest releases from Au Bon Climat one of America's most iconic wineries.
Isabelle Clendenen says of her eponymous wine that it is “the closest thing to a Henri Jayer-style Burgundy” that they make. Her father, the wonderful Jim Clendenen was great friends with Henri; he looked to him as a mentor and, with this blend of the finest five barrels across all the vineyards he worked with, he hoped to emulate him whilst also endeavouring to show off the very best that California has to offer.
"The most noticeable thing about this wine is the way in which its glorious, sweet, rich strawberry fruit is perfectly matched by its intensity and power. It is overt and almost hedonistic on the nose with elements of sweet spice. This concentration continues upon tasting yet an undercurrent of supreme freshness brings everything into focus and fine savoury line cleanses the palate, leaving a wonderfully refreshing sensation, and making this a perfect match with richer foods. 2020 Isabelle is a gorgeous expression, not only of the finest quality that California can provide, but also of Jim Clendenen’s unique and visionary winemaking style. Drink now to 2044." - Catriona Felstead MW
About
The late Jim Clendenen founded Au Bon Climat (ABC) in 1982. He became famous for making pioneering
wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on California’s Central Coast. He passed away in 2021 and is
remembered as one of the most charismatic and influential people of his vinous generation.
Jim’s passion for wine was born of a trip to Burgundy in the mid-1970s when he was a student studying Law
at UC Santa Barbara. During subsequent visits his enthusiasm for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grew and he
became convinced that the Californian hills were capable of something special with these two noble
varieties.
Au Bon Climat translates as “a well-exposed vineyard” a name suiting the coastal position of the vineyards,
with its benevolent Pacific fog and cooling breeze. Making the most of these conditions ABC buy clones
from Burgundy. This contributes to creating wines which emulate the restraint and finesse of Europe but with a magic touch of New World flair.
The vineyards ABC source their grapes from reads as a ‘who’s who’ of Central Coast vineyards. Bien
Nacido and Jim’s own “Le Bon Climat” are the biggest contributors. The influence of the Pacific can be felt
standing in the canyon of Bien Nacido where the warm days and cool nights characterise this superb
terroir. Le Bon Climat in contrast consists of mainly hilltop vineyards. Jim acquired 40ha here in 1998 and has applied his typically rigorous approach to get the best from the plot.
Like most of best early pioneers on USA’s West Coast Jim needed no encouragement to recognise the
importance of the soil. He farms all is own vineyards organically to maximise the personality of each site
coming through in the wines. Le Bon Climat was certified organic in 2003.
A wide array of wines are produced from ABCs own vineyards and from the close relationships the estate
enjoys with other growers.
They are classified into four categories. “Santa Barbara County Classics” are the most accessible in the
range, both in terms of price and their sheer drinkability; “Single Vineyard” wines are an ever-changing
selection of expressions from remarkable single sites; “Historic Vineyards” represent the five icons of the
Central Coast, and the “Blue Series” which show off the very best cuveés, have a high proportion of new
oak and reward a long bottle ageing.
It would be difficult to overstate Jim’s impact on Californian wine-making. Just as it is difficult to overstate
the quality of the wines.
