2020 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13.5%) |
| Drink window | 2024 - 2036 |
Low Stock
Only 5 left
Description
Au Bon Climat has been making Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County for 30 years. The winemaking philosophy and practices have changed little in that time. Older equipment has been replaced by newer technology, but better equipment has improved the wines and allowed for gentler processing. They still hand pick and hand sort everything in the vineyard. They still use open top fermenters that allow them to "punch" by hand. And the top Pinot Noirs are never pumped, only moved by gravity. The high-end Pinots are aged in new French oak. Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir has been basically the same since 1982, only better.
The Isabelle Pinot Noir is a wine from the Blue Series of Au Bon Climat. Blue series wines are the wines that they like to show and are most proud of. Isabelle is unlike any other Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir. Au Bon Climat's top Pinot Noirs prior to the creation of Isabelle in 1994 were all single vineyard wines. Isabelle was the first top Pinot Noir to be a blend of multiple sites. After the birth of his daughter in 1995, Jim Clendenen wanted to make a special wine in her honor. Isabelle has developed into a unique young woman and her wine is unique to Au Bon Climat, a blended, high end Pinot Noir. They blend the best barrels from no less than six different vineyards. These vineyards range from two vineyards in Northern California, one in the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, and another in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, along with five or six of the best vineyards on the Central Coast. Making the best wine from our best barrels is the goal, so the blend has varied over the years. After tasting the best lots, they go through the barrel selection process. This tasting process takes a few days, after the first selection, the barrels are re-evaluated a few months later, just before Isabelle is 'put together'
When the Isabelle from the Blue Line of Au Bon Climat is released, it is almost immediately sold out! A top pinot noir comparable to the most beautiful (and then much more expensive Burgundies). It is a clear and exuberant wine that is beautifully balanced. Sweet red cherries, orange peel, herbs and dried herbs open first, followed by floral notes that lead to the middle of the palate and the aftertaste. Silky soft and quite elegant and will only become more beautiful with age. Delicious with filet mignon, lamb chops with a red wine sauce or a classic boeuf bourguignon.
About the Blue Series from Au Bon Climat
Blue Series wines are the wines they like to show and are most proud of. They are all made from the best cuvées from impressive vineyards and get the highest percentage of new French oak. Traditionally, the Blue Series includes a Chardonnay, "Nuits Blanche", a White Blend "Hildegard" and two Pinot Noirs, "Isabelle" and "Knox Alexander". The Blue Series also includes special bottlings such as "Larmes de Grappe" and Anniversary wines. As the official exclusive importer of Au Bon Climat, we of course carry these wines.
FACT: In the Tab: Attachment you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose Pick up in Checkout page. We are located almost next to the Rijksweg with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Santa Barbara County |
| Winery | Au Bon Climat |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Drinking as of | 2024 |
| Drinking till | 2036 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 92 |
| James Suckling rating | 94 |
| Vinous rating | 94 |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Rood fruit, Soepel, Vol |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 92
Reviewed by:
Erin Brooks
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2024 - 2034
The 2020 Pinot Noir Isabelle opens with iodine, underbrush and tea leaves over a core of wild red and black berries. The palate is light-bodied, supple and juicy, with fragrant, earth-laced fruit and a long finish. It opens with time in the glass, so it may benefit from 2-3 more years in bottle.
Published: Dec 29, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
94
Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Isabelle 2008
Monday, Oct 10, 2011
Color
Country
United States
Region
California
Vintage
2008
Sweet berry and lemon skin aromas with notes of cocoa follow through to a full body, with a soft texture. It's silky and refined and builds on your palate. All about finesse and beauty. So delicious now. But will improve with age.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
94
Drinking Window
2023 - 2030
From: Brilliance in Santa Barbara (Sep, 2023)
The 2020 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a blend of the best barrels across all the vineyards Au Bon Climat sources from. Dark and enveloping, the Isabelle has a ton to offer. Dark red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender and licorice are nicely pushed forward. There's minimal stem inclusion here, and that comes through in the wine's lush fruit and supple contours.
- By Antonio Galloni on July 2023
Au Bon Climat remains a reference point for Santa Barbara, perhaps THE reference point given the global reach these wines now enjoy. I have not seen too many changes here since Jim Clendenen passed away in early 2021, although most of these wines were made while he was still alive. The signatures are a fair amount of new oak for the Chardonnays, but often with a prominent use of large and thick-staved 350L barrels, and heavy use of whole clusters for the Pinots. The top selections often see extended time in wood. Of course, it all starts with sourcing at some of the very finest vineyards in Santa Barbara. Jim Clendenen influenced pretty much all of today’s younger generation, and that influence remains. Readers will find a number of compelling wines in this year’s crop of new releases.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
95
Jeb Dunnuck
Score: 95 The lighter ruby-hued 2018 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and is all varietal that spent 24 months in 100% new French oak. A classic wine from this team, it offers lots of spiced red fruits, brambly herbs, flowers, and sandalwood in an ethereally textured, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant package. While it has bright acidity, it's beautifully balanced, has supple tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly not for those looking for blockbuster Pinot Noir, but it shines for its complexity, elegance, and nuances.
Antonio Galloni's Vinous
Score: 93 The 2018 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a powerful, deep wine with equally big tannins that need time to soften. There's terrific density here just waiting to emerge. Copious red fruit, leather, cedar, tobacco and dried herbs occasionally come forward. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2018 for at least a few years.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
The brain behind the Au Bon Climat winery is Jim Clendenen. He was born in Akron, Ohio and graduated in law from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1976. During his studies he had his "junior year abroad" in 1974 in France where he discovered that life was more than just tacos.
After graduation, he spent both a month in Burgundy and Champagne, which convinced him to pursue a career in wine rather than pursuing a law degree. During the 1978 harvest, Jim Clendenen was an assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery. He stayed there for 3 years and gained a great wealth of experience. In 1982 Clendenen, together with Adam Tolmach, decided to establish a winery with only Burgundian varieties of rented plots. In 1990 Adam left again and Jim took the helm solo. Through careful reinvestment from its own production, Au Bon Climat (meaning "a well-exposed vineyard") has grown to over 50,000 crates per year.
Au Bon Climat collects grapes from several vineyards on the California Central Coast, particularly Santa Barbara County, all of which are highly regarded. These include Clendenen's very own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and also grapes from the legendary Bien Nacido vineyard - both in Santa Maria Valley. Also grapes from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Barbara County) and Talley Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County.
The winery has built an international reputation with its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Jim Clendenen, as they call it the "Mind Behind" Au Bon Climat, is recognized worldwide for its classically styled wines. In 1989 and 1990, Au Bon Climat was on Robert Parker's shortlist of Best Wineries in the World and in 1991 was selected by Oz Clark as one of the 50 global creators of Modern Classic Wines. Dan Berger of the Los Angeles Times named Clendenen "Los Angeles Time Winemaker of the Year" in 1992; Food & Wine Magazine named him "Winemaker of the Year" in 2001. Germany's leading wine magazine Wein Gourmet named Clendenen "Winemaker of the World;" and in 2007 Jim was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America." There are many accolades, but Jim does not rest on his laurels. He is constantly looking to refine his profession and therefore leads the pack.
Au Bon Climat wines order online at Grand Cru wines
You can of course buy Au Bon Climat wines online at Grandcruwijnen.nl, the wine trade with one of the largest wine collections in the Netherlands and Belgium, where you can order both special wines and wines for every budget. Quality products, fast delivery & reliable service that is Grand Crus!
Au Bon Climat has been making Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County for 30 years. The winemaking philosophy and practices have changed little in that time. Older equipment has been replaced by newer technology, but better equipment has improved the wines and allowed for gentler processing. They still hand pick and hand sort everything in the vineyard. They still use open top fermenters that allow them to "punch" by hand. And the top Pinot Noirs are never pumped, only moved by gravity. The high-end Pinots are aged in new French oak. Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir has been basically the same since 1982, only better.
The Isabelle Pinot Noir is a wine from the Blue Series of Au Bon Climat. Blue series wines are the wines that they like to show and are most proud of. Isabelle is unlike any other Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir. Au Bon Climat's top Pinot Noirs prior to the creation of Isabelle in 1994 were all single vineyard wines. Isabelle was the first top Pinot Noir to be a blend of multiple sites. After the birth of his daughter in 1995, Jim Clendenen wanted to make a special wine in her honor. Isabelle has developed into a unique young woman and her wine is unique to Au Bon Climat, a blended, high end Pinot Noir. They blend the best barrels from no less than six different vineyards. These vineyards range from two vineyards in Northern California, one in the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, and another in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, along with five or six of the best vineyards on the Central Coast. Making the best wine from our best barrels is the goal, so the blend has varied over the years. After tasting the best lots, they go through the barrel selection process. This tasting process takes a few days, after the first selection, the barrels are re-evaluated a few months later, just before Isabelle is 'put together'
When the Isabelle from the Blue Line of Au Bon Climat is released, it is almost immediately sold out! A top pinot noir comparable to the most beautiful (and then much more expensive Burgundies). It is a clear and exuberant wine that is beautifully balanced. Sweet red cherries, orange peel, herbs and dried herbs open first, followed by floral notes that lead to the middle of the palate and the aftertaste. Silky soft and quite elegant and will only become more beautiful with age. Delicious with filet mignon, lamb chops with a red wine sauce or a classic boeuf bourguignon.
About the Blue Series from Au Bon Climat
Blue Series wines are the wines they like to show and are most proud of. They are all made from the best cuvées from impressive vineyards and get the highest percentage of new French oak. Traditionally, the Blue Series includes a Chardonnay, "Nuits Blanche", a White Blend "Hildegard" and two Pinot Noirs, "Isabelle" and "Knox Alexander". The Blue Series also includes special bottlings such as "Larmes de Grappe" and Anniversary wines. As the official exclusive importer of Au Bon Climat, we of course carry these wines.
FACT: In the Tab: Attachment you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose Pick up in Checkout page. We are located almost next to the Rijksweg with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Santa Barbara County |
| Winery | Au Bon Climat |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Drinking as of | 2024 |
| Drinking till | 2036 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 92 |
| James Suckling rating | 94 |
| Vinous rating | 94 |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Rood fruit, Soepel, Vol |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 92
Reviewed by:
Erin Brooks
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2024 - 2034
The 2020 Pinot Noir Isabelle opens with iodine, underbrush and tea leaves over a core of wild red and black berries. The palate is light-bodied, supple and juicy, with fragrant, earth-laced fruit and a long finish. It opens with time in the glass, so it may benefit from 2-3 more years in bottle.
Published: Dec 29, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
94
Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Isabelle 2008
Monday, Oct 10, 2011
Color
Country
United States
Region
California
Vintage
2008
Sweet berry and lemon skin aromas with notes of cocoa follow through to a full body, with a soft texture. It's silky and refined and builds on your palate. All about finesse and beauty. So delicious now. But will improve with age.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
94
Drinking Window
2023 - 2030
From: Brilliance in Santa Barbara (Sep, 2023)
The 2020 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a blend of the best barrels across all the vineyards Au Bon Climat sources from. Dark and enveloping, the Isabelle has a ton to offer. Dark red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender and licorice are nicely pushed forward. There's minimal stem inclusion here, and that comes through in the wine's lush fruit and supple contours.
- By Antonio Galloni on July 2023
Au Bon Climat remains a reference point for Santa Barbara, perhaps THE reference point given the global reach these wines now enjoy. I have not seen too many changes here since Jim Clendenen passed away in early 2021, although most of these wines were made while he was still alive. The signatures are a fair amount of new oak for the Chardonnays, but often with a prominent use of large and thick-staved 350L barrels, and heavy use of whole clusters for the Pinots. The top selections often see extended time in wood. Of course, it all starts with sourcing at some of the very finest vineyards in Santa Barbara. Jim Clendenen influenced pretty much all of today’s younger generation, and that influence remains. Readers will find a number of compelling wines in this year’s crop of new releases.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
95
Jeb Dunnuck
Score: 95 The lighter ruby-hued 2018 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and is all varietal that spent 24 months in 100% new French oak. A classic wine from this team, it offers lots of spiced red fruits, brambly herbs, flowers, and sandalwood in an ethereally textured, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant package. While it has bright acidity, it's beautifully balanced, has supple tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly not for those looking for blockbuster Pinot Noir, but it shines for its complexity, elegance, and nuances.
Antonio Galloni's Vinous
Score: 93 The 2018 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a powerful, deep wine with equally big tannins that need time to soften. There's terrific density here just waiting to emerge. Copious red fruit, leather, cedar, tobacco and dried herbs occasionally come forward. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2018 for at least a few years.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
The brain behind the Au Bon Climat winery is Jim Clendenen. He was born in Akron, Ohio and graduated in law from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1976. During his studies he had his "junior year abroad" in 1974 in France where he discovered that life was more than just tacos.
After graduation, he spent both a month in Burgundy and Champagne, which convinced him to pursue a career in wine rather than pursuing a law degree. During the 1978 harvest, Jim Clendenen was an assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery. He stayed there for 3 years and gained a great wealth of experience. In 1982 Clendenen, together with Adam Tolmach, decided to establish a winery with only Burgundian varieties of rented plots. In 1990 Adam left again and Jim took the helm solo. Through careful reinvestment from its own production, Au Bon Climat (meaning "a well-exposed vineyard") has grown to over 50,000 crates per year.
Au Bon Climat collects grapes from several vineyards on the California Central Coast, particularly Santa Barbara County, all of which are highly regarded. These include Clendenen's very own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and also grapes from the legendary Bien Nacido vineyard - both in Santa Maria Valley. Also grapes from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Barbara County) and Talley Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County.
The winery has built an international reputation with its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Jim Clendenen, as they call it the "Mind Behind" Au Bon Climat, is recognized worldwide for its classically styled wines. In 1989 and 1990, Au Bon Climat was on Robert Parker's shortlist of Best Wineries in the World and in 1991 was selected by Oz Clark as one of the 50 global creators of Modern Classic Wines. Dan Berger of the Los Angeles Times named Clendenen "Los Angeles Time Winemaker of the Year" in 1992; Food & Wine Magazine named him "Winemaker of the Year" in 2001. Germany's leading wine magazine Wein Gourmet named Clendenen "Winemaker of the World;" and in 2007 Jim was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America." There are many accolades, but Jim does not rest on his laurels. He is constantly looking to refine his profession and therefore leads the pack.
Au Bon Climat wines order online at Grand Cru wines
You can of course buy Au Bon Climat wines online at Grandcruwijnen.nl, the wine trade with one of the largest wine collections in the Netherlands and Belgium, where you can order both special wines and wines for every budget. Quality products, fast delivery & reliable service that is Grand Crus!