Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, Central Coast

Santa Barbara County has long been celebrated for Pinot Noir, and the 2023 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir embodies everything that has made the region world-renowned. Crafted with Burgundian sensibility and coastal precision, this wine harmonizes fruit, earth, and structure in a way that reflects both place and tradition.

Product Details:

• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vineyards: Bien Nacido, North Canyon, Rancho Real, Kick On, Los Alamos
• Harvest: Multiple pickings throughout September 2023
• Fermentation: Small-lot, native yeast, manual punch-downs
• Aging: 8–12 months in François Frères French oak barrels
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• pH: 3.63
• Acidity: 5.4 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 0
• Fining/Filtration: Unfined and minimally filtered
• Production Style: Traditional, Burgundian-inspired techniques

Sensory Description:

This wine captures the signature character of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir. Aromas of red currant, blueberry, and blood orange are layered with savory hints of bay leaf, white pepper, and wet stone. The palate is silky yet structured, delivering juicy red fruit wrapped in balanced tannins and lively acidity. Its seamless mouthfeel leads into a long, mineral-driven finish, making it both expressive in youth and promising for cellaring.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1982 by visionary winemaker Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat has defined Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California’s Central Coast for more than four decades. Inspired by Burgundy, Clendenen pioneered restrained, site-specific wines that emphasized balance, elegance, and longevity over trends. The winery’s name, meaning “a good place” in French, reflects the ideal convergence of Pacific-cooled valleys, marine soils, and meticulous farming that shape its wines. Today, the Au Bon Climat team continues its legacy, crafting wines of nuance and restraint that honor both tradition and terroir.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 58–60°F in a Burgundy stem to highlight the wine’s aromatics and texture. In its youth, it pairs beautifully with lamb chops, roast chicken, or lighter meats. With bottle age, it develops into a perfect partner for seared salmon, pasta with tomato-based sauces, or mushroom risotto. Its versatility also allows it to shine alongside global cuisines, from spicy Indian fare to artisanal sandwiches.

The 2023 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is a benchmark expression of the region: balanced, complex, and deeply rooted in both tradition and place. It stands as a tribute to the enduring vision of Jim Clendenen and the continued excellence of the Au Bon Climat team.