2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle

Au Bon Climat in Santa Barbara County and the history of the winery

Au Bon Climat was founded in the early 1980s in Santa Barbara County and quickly became one of the leading wineries on the California coast. Founder Jim Clendenen recognized early on that the cool influence of the Pacific Ocean in this region was ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Instead of opting for fast, early-ripening styles, he crafted wines with length, structure, and aging potential.

The distinctive house style was created through consistent choices in the vineyard and cellar, such as careful selection, controlled extraction, and long aging. Following Jim Clendenen's passing in 2021, the winery is being continued by his children, Isabella and Knox Clendenen. Jim Adelman has been in charge of the winery's day-to-day operations for decades, ensuring the wines maintain their familiar heritage.

Santa Barbara County Climate and Location for Pinot Noir

Santa Barbara County is unique because of its east-west valleys, allowing the cool ocean air to flow freely. Fog and wind travel deep inland, tempering the heat. This results in a long growing season with cool nights and sunny days. This is a major advantage for Pinot Noir. The grape can ripen slowly, deepening its aromas and preserving its acidity.

Au Bon Climat has been working with plots that benefit from this maritime influence for decades. The result is Pinot Noir with ripe fruit, but also with tension and structure. This makes the wines appealing to serious connoisseurs and sommeliers seeking a balanced Californian style.

Au Bon Climat Blue Series and the Pinot Noir Isabelle

The 2021 Pinot Noir Isabelle belongs to Au Bon Climat's Blue Series. This is the winery's top-tier, intended for the most ambitious cuvées. Isabelle is also a unique wine within the range. Before 1994, Au Bon Climat's top Pinot Noirs were primarily single-vineyard wines. After the birth of his daughter Isabella, Jim Clendenen wanted to create a wine that bears her name while simultaneously showcasing the best expression of the vintage.

That's why Isabelle is a blend created annually from the finest Pinot Noir barrels from multiple vineyards. The composition changes each vintage, as even strong vineyards can experience poor years. By selecting only the best lots, a Pinot Noir is created each year that ranks among the estate's top-tier.

California origin and selected vineyards in 2021

The appellation is California, and the wine is blended from multiple vineyards. For the 2021 vintage, fruit was sourced from Bien Nacido (Santa Maria Valley), Rancho La Cuna and Los Alamos Vineyard (Los Alamos Valley, Santa Barbara County), Sanford & Benedict (Sta. Rita Hills), and Lala Panzi (Russian River Valley).

Each location contributes something different. Cooler plots provide freshness and aromatic tension, while others offer more ripe fruit and body. By cleverly combining these origins, Isabelle develops its layered character and distinctive style.

Pinot Noir grape variety and harvest in September 2021

The 2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle is made from 100% Pinot Noir. The harvest took place in September 2021, with multiple harvests. By picking in multiple rounds, the optimal ripening point for each plot can be selected. This helps achieve the balance between ripe fruit, crisp acidity, and good phenolic ripeness.

Vinification with open fermentation and soft extraction

The different lots are treated separately and remain separated throughout fermentation and maturation. Au Bon Climat uses open fermentation tanks and performs manual punch-downs once or twice a day. This approach provides control over extraction and texture. Furthermore, top Pinot Noirs are not pumped. The wine is moved solely by gravity, which keeps the wine smoother and preserves its finesse.

After the initial selection of the best lots, a second tasting follows a few months later, just before the final blend is created. Isabelle is chosen not only for its strength but also for how the wine develops in the barrel.

Maturation in 100% new French oak from François Frères

The Pinot Noir Isabelle was aged for approximately 20 months in 100% new French oak from François Frères. This long and intensive oak aging is characteristic of the Au Bon Climat style. The oak adds spice, structure, and added depth. At the same time, it demands high-quality fruit, as the wine must have sufficient concentration to support the oak.

The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%. Its acidity is 5.8 g/l and its pH is 3.65. This creates tension and aging potential, especially with the distinct oak content.

Tasting notes 2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle

In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby red color. The aroma is intense and ripe, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of blood orange. Spicy aromas of anise, cloves, and baking spices also emerge. There are also distinct woody notes reminiscent of cola and a hint of toast.

The palate is medium to full and concentrated. The fruit is round and ripe, with a firm core. The structure is tight enough to support the richness. The finish is long, spicy, and slightly sweet with fruit, with a clear role for the new oak. This is a Pinot Noir that already impresses, but also has the potential to develop further.

Style and aging potential of Pinot Noir Isabelle 2021

The 2021 Isabelle is crafted in a rich, oak-driven style that suits lovers of ripe and toasty Pinot Noir. Thanks to the long aging in new oak, the wine is distinctive and powerful, with plenty of aromatic depth. At the same time, the acidity and firm structure provide ample balance. With a few years of bottle aging, the whole can blend even better, and the wine will reveal additional complexity.

Would you like to order Au Bon Climat wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send this to you when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

Wine and food pairings with 2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle

Roasted duck breast with red cabbage and a light jus complements the ripe red fruit and spicy wood tones.

Veal entrecote with mushrooms and sage goes well with the earthy nuances and the firm structure of the wine.

Risotto with porcini, Parmesan and a bit of lemon zest works well with the umami and keeps everything fresh thanks to the acidity in the wine.

Lamb fillet with thyme and celeriac puree combines with the spiciness and medium to full mouthfeel, without being too heavy.

Roast pheasant with cranberries and roasted root vegetables matches the elegant tannins and ripe fruit, keeping the dish juicy.

Ravioli with mushrooms, butter and a little truffle oil complements the complexity and the long, spicy finish.