2022 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Lala Panzi Vineyard
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The drying, grippy feel on your gums and tongue, as with strong tea. It comes from the skins and seeds of black grapes and from oak, and softens with age.
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The bars follow how sommeliers taste (WSET): body, tannin, sweetness and acidity, each from low to high.
Body: fairly light. Like most red wines from ; 13.5% alcohol.
Tannin: medium. From ; aged in oak.
Sweetness: dry. Red wine from is almost always dry.
Acidity: fairly high. from the cool climate of .
Aromas: earthy notes, flowers and red fruit, typical of
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Log inAu Bon Climat and the fascination with the Russian River Valley
Au Bon Climat has been a staple in Santa Barbara County for decades, but founder Jim Clendenen was keen to explore beyond his immediate surroundings. He was deeply captivated by the style and fruit profile of Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. The combination of ripe fruit, spice, and refinement appealed to him and inspired him to pursue targeted collaborations there as well.
The Pinot Noir Lala Panzi Vineyard is the result of that interest. It's a single-vineyard wine that showcases how Au Bon Climat's classic signature blends with the distinct characteristics of the Russian River Valley. This approach aligns with the winery's philosophy, which prioritizes provenance, structure, and aging potential.
Lala Panzi Vineyard in Russian River Valley
Lala Panzi Vineyard is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley and is owned by Barbara and Richard Mendelsohn. The vineyard covers just five hectares and is planted entirely with Pinot Noir. This small scale allows for meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard, with a strong focus on quality and low yields.
The Russian River Valley is known for its cool mornings and fog that drifts inland from the Pacific Ocean. Combined with sunny afternoons, this results in a long growing season and even ripening. This climate produces Pinot Noir with ripe fruit, aromatic depth, and a distinctive spicy undertone.
Single vineyard Pinot Noir within the range
Within the Au Bon Climat range, this Pinot Noir clearly occupies a place as a single-vineyard wine. Unlike blends or cross-vineyard cuvées, the emphasis here is entirely on the expression of a single location.
Lala Panzi Vineyard showcases a different side of Pinot Noir than the cooler Santa Maria Valley or Santa Rita Hills. The style is slightly riper and fuller, while retaining freshness and structure. This wine makes an interesting contrast within the winery's portfolio.
Grape variety, cloning and harvest
The 2022 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Lala Panzi Vineyard is made from 100% Pinot Noir. Several clones have been planted in the vineyard, including 114, 115, 667, 777, and Pommard. Each clone contributes uniquely to aromatic complexity, structure, and depth.
The harvest took place in the cool morning hours, just before a late heat wave. This precise harvesting time ensured the grapes arrived in the cellar in optimal condition. All grapes were hand-harvested and rigorously selected to ensure only the finest fruit was used.
Vinification with attention to detail
After arriving at the winery, the grapes were carefully processed. Fermentation was slow and controlled, allowing the different clones to retain their distinct character. Careful monitoring of the fermentation process ensured a balanced extraction.
This method results in a Pinot Noir with distinct layers, where fruit, spice, and structure complement each other. The focus is on precision and depth, without making the wine heavy or ponderous.
Maturation in French oak and structure
The wine was aged for twenty-four months in French oak barrels from François Frères, fifty percent of which were new. This long aging contributes to its complexity and gives the wine firm yet ripe tannins.
The use of new oak is evident, yet remains in balance with the fruit and natural acidity. The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%, an acidity of 6.3 g/l, and a pH of 3.48. These values ensure tension and longevity.
Color, aroma and taste of Pinot Noir Lala Panzi Vineyard
In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby red color. The nose is rich and complex, with aromas of black cherry, currant, and blackberry. This is followed by spicy notes of dried thyme, sumac, and sassafras, which provide depth and nuance.
On the palate, the wine develops a full and layered character. Flavors of ripe plum, bitter almond, and sarsaparilla are complemented by a slightly sweet note reminiscent of molasses. The finish is long and structured, with drying wood tannins that lend tension and length to the wine.
Style, balance and development
This Pinot Noir combines ripeness and concentration with freshness and structure. The wine is already appealing for its aromatic richness, but it possesses sufficient grip and depth to further develop in the coming years.
Within the Au Bon Climat range, this bottling will particularly appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate Pinot Noir with a distinctive character and a clear expression of origin.
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 2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Lala Panzi Vineyard
Baked brie with a blackcurrant compote complements the ripe fruit and spicy notes.
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary go well with the firm texture and spicy character.
Oven-baked chicken with herbs and citrus zest combines beautifully with the fresh acidity and ripe fruit notes.
Slow-cooked pork tenderloin with a slightly sweet glaze enhances the depth and roundness of the wine.
Roasted mushrooms with polenta complement the earthy nuances and long finish.
Ravioli filled with mushrooms and a light butter sauce works well with the layering and texture of the Pinot Noir.
Character
The wine
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Origin
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Wine features
Au Bon Climat
Au Bon Climat is known for its refined wines from Santa Barbara County.
The history of Au Bon Climat
Au Bon Climat was founded in 1982 with a clear mission: to produce classic, Burgundy-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. The region is ideal thanks to the influence of the cool Pacific air, marine soils, and the east–west oriented valleys.
Jim Clendenen, also known as “The Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat, set this vision and always stayed true to it. While trends in California came and went, Au Bon Climat continued to focus on traditional, site-specific, and nuanced wines.
Location and climate of Santa Barbara County
The location of Santa Barbara County creates a unique microclimate with a combination of warm days and cool nights. This allows grapes to ripen slowly and develop deep, complex flavors. Vineyards such as Bien Nacido, Le Bon Climat, and Rancho La Cuna are among the most renowned in the region.
The different wines of Au Bon Climat
The winery has gained international fame with its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. By combining traditional methods such as whole cluster pressing, aging in French oak barrels, and extended barrel maturation, the wines achieve exceptional balance and elegance.
The vineyards of Au Bon Climat
Au Bon Climat sources grapes from several prestigious vineyards, including:
- Bien Nacido Vineyard (Santa Maria Valley): 900 acres, calcareous clay soil, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Le Bon Climat Vineyard (Santa Maria Valley): 52 acres, sandy loam soil, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier.
- Rancho La Cuna (Santa Barbara County): 20 acres, sandy loam and shale clay, Syrah, Grenache, Chenin Blanc.
- Sanford & Benedict (Sta. Rita Hills): 51 acres, calcareous clay soil, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Talley Vineyards (Arroyo Grande Valley): 28 acres, shale clay soil, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Why choose wines from Au Bon Climat?
These wines are praised worldwide for their balance, structure, and long aging potential. Jim Clendenen’s legacy lives on through the high quality and dedication to traditional winemaking techniques.
Order Au Bon Climat wines online?
You can of course buy Au Bon Climat wines online at Grandcruwijnen.nl, the wine merchant with one of the largest wine collections in the Netherlands and Belgium. Our wines are stored in a climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and when you choose to pick up your order, you often receive a nice discount. The discount is shown immediately when you select ‘Pick up’ on the checkout page.
De 2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Lala Panzi Vineyard biedt een mooie balans tussen rijp fruit, zoals zwarte kers en braam, en kruidige tonen van gedroogde tijm en sassafras. De wijn heeft een volle, gelaagde smaak met een lange, gestructureerde afdronk die door de stevige tannines en frisse zuren een indrukwekkende diepgang krijgt. Deze wijn past uitstekend bij gerechten die de rijkdom en kruidigheid benadrukken, zoals gegrilde lamskoteletten met rozemarijn of langzaam gegaarde varkenshaas met een lichte zoete glaze. Bereidingen met een subtiele krokante korst of langzaam gegaard vlees zorgen dat de wijn zijn volle aroma’s en structuur mooi tot hun recht komen. Daarnaast vormt de frisse zuurgraad een mooie aansluiting bij gerechten met een lichte citrus- of kruidenmarinade, zoals kip uit de oven met citrusschil, waardoor de combinatie fris en harmonieus blijft. Ook gerechten met aardse ingrediënten, zoals geroosterde paddenstoelen of paddenstoelen-ravioli, versterken de aardse tonen in de wijn en zorgen voor een mooie balans tussen fruit, kru
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