2020 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13.5%) |
| Drink window | 2023 - 2032 |
In stock
39 items available
Description
Au Bon Climat's tagline is "An homage to the wines of Burgundy" and that sums it up nicely. It's hard to talk about Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir without mentioning Alexander Payne's film "Sideways." The film came at just the right time, when Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir was already gaining popularity.
The Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus has a complex, classic taste reminiscent of an old world style. Aromas of dried cherry and cranberry, rose petals and cedar wood are complemented by subtle notes of leather and dark chocolate. These nuances evoke associations with a mature Burgundy from a top estate. The hallmark of "La Bauge" is the exceptional integration of flavors and its immediately accessible, drinkable character, which this wine offers in abundance. This wine is perfect with oak-grilled lamb chops, truffle potatoes, smoked turkey or a hearty stew.
The grapes come entirely from the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard . They were harvested by hand and the Pinot Noir was fermented in 5-ton open fermentation vats. During the fermentation process, the grape skins were manually immersed (punch-downs) once or twice a day to obtain maximum extraction of color, flavor and aroma. After complete fermentation, the wine was dry pressed and transferred to barrels, along with a moderate amount of lees.
The "La Bauge" Pinot Noir was matured in 50% new French oak barrels, made by the cooper François Frères. The wine was carefully racked in the spring and then re-barreled. The total maturation period in oak was 20 months.
Background
The name "La Bauge Au-dessus" means "a wild party night up there". The original bottlings came from the hills of the Bien Nacido vineyard, and with this vintage the wine returns to those roots. The aim of this wine is to create a classic Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley, with a striking aromatic and characterful profile. You will find notes of cherry and cranberry, rose petals, earthy influences and spices.
The key word is balance : a balance between oak and fruit, tannins and acidity, elegance and intensity. This delicious Pinot Noir is not meant to dominate the meal, but to enhance the dining experience and to combine harmoniously with the dish it is served with.
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 | Central Coast |
| Winery | Au Bon Climat |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Drinking as of | 2023 |
| Drinking till | 2032 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Vinous rating | 91 |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Rood fruit, Soepel, Vol |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
Vinous
91
Drinking Window
2022 - 2032
From: Santa Barbara: A Rare Bright Spot for California in 2020 (Aug 2022)
The 2020 Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus is mostly Bien Nacido with a touch of Le Bon Climat, done with 20% stems. Savory herbs, crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco, mint, dried flowers and incense give this ethereal, elegant Pinot plenty of charm and allure. Drink it over the next decade.
- By Antonio Galloni on June 2022
This is a fabulous set of wines from Au Bon Climat. I admit, it’s hard today to taste wines Jim Clendenen made prior his passing last year. At the same time, these new releases provide fascinating insight into his stylistic choices across several vineyards and sites.
I have said this before, but I think it bears repeating. It's fascinating to taste the Au Bon Climat wines given how much Clendenen influenced many of today's leading young winemakers. Pretty much without exception, Clendenen's wines, especially the Chardonnays, are richer and more powerful, with greater oak influence and overall lushness. In general, the wines here are marked by a focus on a handful of top sites, many of which Clendenen made famous, a high percentage of new oak, but often with larger 350-liter barrels, long aging in wood, and a high amount of whole clusters in the Pinots. More than anything else, these wines are American treasures, legacies of one of this country's most inspired and inspiring winemakers.
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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's tagline is "An homage to the wines of Burgundy" and that sums it up nicely. It's hard to talk about Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir without mentioning Alexander Payne's film "Sideways." The film came at just the right time, when Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir was already gaining popularity.
The Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus has a complex, classic taste reminiscent of an old world style. Aromas of dried cherry and cranberry, rose petals and cedar wood are complemented by subtle notes of leather and dark chocolate. These nuances evoke associations with a mature Burgundy from a top estate. The hallmark of "La Bauge" is the exceptional integration of flavors and its immediately accessible, drinkable character, which this wine offers in abundance. This wine is perfect with oak-grilled lamb chops, truffle potatoes, smoked turkey or a hearty stew.
The grapes come entirely from the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard . They were harvested by hand and the Pinot Noir was fermented in 5-ton open fermentation vats. During the fermentation process, the grape skins were manually immersed (punch-downs) once or twice a day to obtain maximum extraction of color, flavor and aroma. After complete fermentation, the wine was dry pressed and transferred to barrels, along with a moderate amount of lees.
The "La Bauge" Pinot Noir was matured in 50% new French oak barrels, made by the cooper François Frères. The wine was carefully racked in the spring and then re-barreled. The total maturation period in oak was 20 months.
Background
The name "La Bauge Au-dessus" means "a wild party night up there". The original bottlings came from the hills of the Bien Nacido vineyard, and with this vintage the wine returns to those roots. The aim of this wine is to create a classic Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley, with a striking aromatic and characterful profile. You will find notes of cherry and cranberry, rose petals, earthy influences and spices.
The key word is balance : a balance between oak and fruit, tannins and acidity, elegance and intensity. This delicious Pinot Noir is not meant to dominate the meal, but to enhance the dining experience and to combine harmoniously with the dish it is served with.
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 | Central Coast |
| Winery | Au Bon Climat |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Drinking as of | 2023 |
| Drinking till | 2032 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Vinous rating | 91 |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Rood fruit, Soepel, Vol |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Vinous
91
Drinking Window
2022 - 2032
From: Santa Barbara: A Rare Bright Spot for California in 2020 (Aug 2022)
The 2020 Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus is mostly Bien Nacido with a touch of Le Bon Climat, done with 20% stems. Savory herbs, crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco, mint, dried flowers and incense give this ethereal, elegant Pinot plenty of charm and allure. Drink it over the next decade.
- By Antonio Galloni on June 2022
This is a fabulous set of wines from Au Bon Climat. I admit, it’s hard today to taste wines Jim Clendenen made prior his passing last year. At the same time, these new releases provide fascinating insight into his stylistic choices across several vineyards and sites.
I have said this before, but I think it bears repeating. It's fascinating to taste the Au Bon Climat wines given how much Clendenen influenced many of today's leading young winemakers. Pretty much without exception, Clendenen's wines, especially the Chardonnays, are richer and more powerful, with greater oak influence and overall lushness. In general, the wines here are marked by a focus on a handful of top sites, many of which Clendenen made famous, a high percentage of new oak, but often with larger 350-liter barrels, long aging in wood, and a high amount of whole clusters in the Pinots. More than anything else, these wines are American treasures, legacies of one of this country's most inspired and inspiring winemakers.
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!