Santa Maria Valley
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Au Bon Climat,
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The Knox Alexander feels straight-backed and proud, its ‘Pinosity’ cutting through like a knife. Serious, rather than seductive, this is a tight, focused wine with bright acidity. The tannins are extremely fine yet hugely present, surrounded by a restrained core of fresh but sumptuous, pure fruit. The wine has beautiful precision and is completely spellbinding. This is a masterclass in how to make ‘proper’ Pinot Noir from a winemaker at the top of his game.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer
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Knox (named after Jim’s son) is a blend of the best fruit from the Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat Vineyards. The wines see 18 months in barrel (75% new French oak) and filtration is done only as a last resort. The wine then rests in bottle for a year before it is released. The 2006 has a serious weighty fruit on the nose that will need 3-5 years to show its best. Very focused and darker berry fruits come to the fore. Superbly structured, with well-defined red and black fruit that will fill out with time. Another top-drawer wine.
Hong Kong Fine Wine Team
Hong Kong Fine Wine Team
Au Bon Climat,
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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
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
Showing 1-15 out of 15 items
Fiona Hayes, Buyer (September 2019)