2016 Au Bon Climat/K&L Wine Merchants "Bien Nacido Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

Notes

Jim Clendenen, the man behind Au Bon Climat winery in California's Santa Barbara region since 1982, is internationally known for his critically acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Originally as an homage to Burgundy, he decided to start a winery dedicated to small vineyards in leased quarters. Since he sources fruit from several of the most highly regarded vineyards in the Central Coast, we asked Jim a few years ago if he'd be willing to make us a private label, single-site wine from the legendary Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. He willingly agreed and we're now on the third and final vintage of the K&L/Au Bon Climat partnership. Bien Nacido is one of California's most historic cool-climate vineyards, an 800-acre site that can trace its roots back to 1837. With 250 of those acres planted to Pinot Noir, the cool weather allows the grapes to retain their acidity, creating red wines both with delicate fruit and a tangy vibrancy. Our 2016 K&L edition exemplifies both of those qualities with aromas of raspberry and black cherry, fleshed out by accents of violets and spice. It's our most Burgundian ABC edition yet, true to Jim's original vision. Fans of both domestic and French Pinot Noir will want to take note of this once again limited single vineyard edition.