2015 Au Bon Climat Pinot Gris/ Pinot Blanc, Santa Maria Valley

Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat (which means “a well-exposed vineyard”) produces internationally recognised Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from grapes grown in California's Santa Barbara County. ABC, as it is more commonly referred to, has won universal acclaim for its wines thanks to Jim “Wild Boy” Clendenen, its winemaker and owner.

Pinot Gris, picked fresh and early, delivers a cleansing hit of citrus and green apple, suffused with a flinty minerality. As the wine unfolds, fleshier elements – melon, quince and well-ripened pear – begin to emerge, courtesy of the juicier Pinot Blanc. True Californian flair! This is an homage to Burgundy’s lesser-known varietals; uplifting and thoroughly unique.