Santa Barbara County

Pale, with a haunting red fruit nose. All new (French) oak but you’d never guess, such is the integration of wood and purity of the fruit. This oozes Pinot Noir character. Crunchy red fruit on the palate – redcurrants and cherries at the forefront. This is amazingly fleet footed and dances across the palate with a finish that seems to last for minutes. I’ve long been an admirer of ABC’s Pinots but this seems to be on another level. California’s answer to Chambolle Musigny perhaps? Totally irresistible now, this will be capable of ageing for another 5+ years. Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

The 2012 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir has a full nose of red cherries and ripe strawberries. The macerated morello cherry character continues on the palate, complemented by subtle notes of oak and vanilla. The beauty of this wine comes through on the refreshing, herbaceous edge to the palate, which has grip and presence, with the tannins adding definition. This could do with another year perhaps to be at its peak but is already a wonderful wine.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer

Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat (which the winemaker translates as "a well-exposed vineyard") produces internationally-recognized Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc wine from grapes grown in California's Santa Barbara County. The Au Bon Climat winery is located on the world-famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, and is owned by winemaker Jim Clendenen. Like an extra from a Spinal Tap video or a lost member from the Beach Boys,  Jim Clendenen is quintessentially Californian in style, while his wines take on an old world and classic style.  Jim Clendenen has full respect for his peers in Burgundy and says, '… I like to think our wines can share that stage.' He is responsible for some of the most balanced and delicious wines this side of Burgundy.

A trusted and faithful supplier with Berry Bros. & Rudd over the years, we have grown to love and respect the style and panache present in the Au Bon Climat wines.  Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that present a beautiful perfume and balance so ever present in top end Burgundy yet with a New World / Californian brightness to each wines. 

Jim Clendenen has been no stranger to praise from the trade, indeed Au Bon Climat has been on Robert Parker's short list of Best Wineries in the World, and has in the past been selected by Oz Clark as one of fifty world-wide creators of Modern Classic Wines.  His basic wines with their barrel ageing before release are delicious early in their lives, but having tasted back vintages I can attest to the fact that Au Bon Climat wines (especially the single vineyard offerings) have an ability to gain great complexity with age over the next 3 – 5 years.

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

A new vineyard for BBR, the Talley was for me the stand-out wine of our visit. The fruit is ripe and approachable and there is an impressive level of complexity here that keeps the focus of the wine and the drinker.
(Fine Wine Department)