Au Bon Climat "La Bauge au Dessus" Pinot Noir Magnum, Santa Maria Valley, California 2002

FROM AU BON CLIMAT:

THE WINE: The complex, Old World character of dried cherry/cranberry, rose petal and cedar with subtle notes of leather and dark chocolate is reminiscent of an aged Burgundy from a superior domaine. La Bauge's hallmark is its remarkable integration and imminently drinkable character, which this has in abundance.

THE PRODUCER: Au Bon Climat winery was totally devoted to making classic, Burgundian-styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. The convergence of cool, brisk Pacific air, marine-based soils, and east-west running valleys of the area provided an ideal place for growing exceptional grapes. Hence the name “Au Bon Climat,” the French idiom for “good place”.

Forty years later, the wines have earned a world-class reputation internationally. Jim Clendenen, “The Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat, set the objective and stayed true to its course. As the fads in California winemaking have come and gone, Au Bon Climat has maintained a laser focus in producing traditional, site-specific, nuanced, iconic wines.