Santa Barbara County

This Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is a relatively new addition to our Own Selection range, made specially for us by the highly regarded winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. The 2017 follows a similar flavour profile to the 2016, with raspberries and red cherries, however its riper, juicier bramble fruit and luscious texture display the vintage's generous characteristics. The wine's ripe tannins provide sufficient grip on the finish, balanced by refreshing acidity and spicy complexity.
Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

Jim Clendenen, owner and winemaker of Santa Barbara’s Au Bon Climat rarely needs an introduction; you need simply look at the label with his image on it to see the “wild boy” behind the wine. His wines are a great example of the finesse that you can find in American wines, and I do urge you to try some of his other wines.

Light golden in colour, this has aromas of white peach, fresh apricot and orange blossom. Subtle hints of toast and honey mingle with savoury spice on the palate. A juicy core and creamy, buttery texture combines with refreshing and crisp acidity. Drink now to 2021.

Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat produces internationally-recognised Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from grapes grown in California’s Santa Barbara County. “ABC”, as the property is more commonly known, has won universal acclaim for its wines thanks to Jim “Wild Boy” Clendenen, its winemaker and owner.

This is a nod to Burgundy but with lots of ripe, bright New World fruit. It has a cool nose of orchard fruit with hints of spice and a light mineral note, while on the palate classic flavours of apple, citrus and vanilla prevail with a rich, buttery finish. Drink now to 2026.

Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat produces internationally-recognised Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from grapes grown in California’s Santa Barbara County. “ABC”, as the property is more commonly known, has won universal acclaim for its wines thanks to Jim “Wild Boy” Clendenen, its winemaker and owner.

A nod to Burgundy but with lots of ripe, bright New World fruit, this Pinot Noir has a cool nose of strawberry and ripe cherry fruit with warming hints of sweet spice. On the palate, it is fleshy and generous with lots of ripe red berry fruit with fine, polished tannins and a lovely freshness on the generously long finish. Drink now to 2026.

Lively red fruit, with a smoky note from the stems (60%). Very aromatic and pure – a classic Au Bon Climat hallmark is the intense fragrance of the Pinots. Floral as well. Masses of ripe, soft red fruit on the palate, think redcurrants, cranberries, et al. Very supple tannins and a fine boned structure. One for Christmas lunch in a couple of years.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager