Winemaker Notes
Outrageously beautiful. Sweet dark cherry, plum, rose petal, mint and blood orange all run through this racy, captivating Pinot. Vibrant and nuanced, with striking exoticism, the Au Bon Climat Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir comes alive in the glass with tons of vibrancy and a level of purity that is hard to fully do justice to with words.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Similarly colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard spent 18 months in new François Frères barrels. Dried herbs, pepper, some nutty notes, and ample sweet red and black fruits define the bouquet. With medium body, beautiful balance, and a layered, balanced style on the palate, it's another Burgundian release from Jim that has loads to love. I actually like the balance here more than with the Knox Alexander and it's a terrific wine to enjoy over the coming decade or so.
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Wine Enthusiast
From Jim Clendenen's historic vineyard collection of wines, this bottling (from the vineyard that surrounds his winery) is light in the glass with aromas of red cherry, bay leaf, juniper and vanilla. The herbal attack is powerful on the palate, where oregano, sage and chamomile lift up the cranberry and pomegranate fruit.
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Wine Spectator
Concentrated red fruit and spice flavors are well-integrated in this suave style. Red plum and currant details dominate, with a finish that features a rich texture, showing hints of underbrush. Drink now through 2021. 185 cases made.
Santa Maria Valley lies mainly in northern Santa Barbara County, with a small portion of it overlapping southern San Luis Obispo County. It is close to the Pacific, and runs east-west, which means warmer air in the eastern end draws cool air off the ocean in the west, and brings it through the valley. This effect, combined with abundant sunshine, lengthens the growing season. The longer growing season leads to long hang time, which promotes both ripeness and optimal acidity levels in grape berries. As early as the 1970’s, Santa Maria Valley was recognized as being a superior source of wine grapes, certainly including Chardonnay and Syrah. But arguably the top variety here is Pinot Noir.
Originally a domain primarily of growers, including the Miller Family of the justifiably famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, this AVA is now home to over 30 wineries. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir consistently offers full flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, cola, vanilla and earth. They show impressive balance and elegance, as well as great versatility with food.