Cellar Selection

Au Bon Climat Nielson Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008

I took a recent trip out to CA, and in particular to taste some of the wines in Santa Barbara County. My next several posts will be some notes from my trip. My first stop was Au Bon Climat.

Jim Clendenen, the “Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat since 1982, creates internationally acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Jim has other projects of passion that allow him to make artisan, small lots of distinctive wines from a wider spectrum of grape varietals under different brands. Jim Clendenen was born in Akron, Ohio in the 1950s.  He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with High Honors in Pre-Law in 1976. It was during his “junior year abroad” in 1974, while turning 21 in France, that he discovered life beyond tacos. After graduation, a one month stay in both Burgundy and Champagne convinced him to attempt a career in wine rather than continue on to law school.

We tasted 10 outstanding wines poured by Emily Bell, assistant manager of ABC’s Tasting Room (see photo above). One of the wines tasted was from their Historic Vineyard Collection, a 2008 Nielson Vineyard Pinot Noir. From the oldest commercial vineyard in Santa Barbara County, planted in 1964, and in 2008 as the Sub-Prime Mortgages plummeted, so did the temperatures at the beginning of the growing season, however the vines recovered nicely, not so much for the Sub-Prime Crisis. Nielson is now part of Byron’s vineyard and wine operations. Slightly dark Ruby with aromas of black and red fruits with a touch of earthy spice notes. The complex palate brings forth concentrated sweet black raspberry and cherry fruit, vanilla and very soft tannins. This is an elegant wine that seemed to linger forever. Very Nice. Small production, a few hundred cases, and only a few are still remaining at the winery.

Cheers!