This wine is a trademark of pinot's coming from Santa Barbara County with classic fruit aromas followed by an earthy depth. Aromas of red currant, blueberry, and blood orange greet the nose, followed by subtle hints of bay leaf, white pepper, and wet stone. The palate is well-balanced, with just the right amount of tannin and acid, resulting in superb structure and a delightful mouthfeel.

Origin: Santa Barbara, California
ABV: 13%
USNW Classification: Natural
Varietal & Type: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2019

Tasting Notes

Vineyards

Estate

About the Winemaker

It's hard to talk about Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir without mentioning the Alexander Payne movie 'Sideways.' The film's release came at the perfect time, as Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir was already rising to prominence. A new generation of vineyard managers had begun implementing necessary improvements in their vineyards and winemakers were getting more acquainted with how to treat local Pinot Noir. The combination of improved grapes, better winemaking, and the film's popularity led to a surge in the popularity of Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir. Even two decades after the movie's 2004 release, its influence is still felt. Au Bon Climat has been leading the way, producing Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County grapes since 1982, well before 'Sideways.' This wine is a trademark of pinot's coming from Santa Barbara County with classic fruit aromas followed by an earthy depth. Aromas of red currant, blueberry, and blood orange greet the nose, followed by subtle hints of bay leaf, white pepper, and wet stone. The palate is well-balanced, with just the right amount of tannin and acid, resulting in superb structure and a delightful mouthfeel. Like all Au Bon Climat wines, this is a food wine. In its youth, match this wine with lamb or lighter meats. After a few years, as the flavors coalesce, it will pair better with salmon or mild red sauce with pasta. We have enjoyed this wine with many food choices from spicy Indian dishes to all-American sandwiches, and the wine worked well with most anything. The possible food pairings are almost endless.

Shipping Details

US Natural Wine ships once a week, every Wednesday. All orders should be placed by Tuesday at 10am in order to be picked up from our distributors and out on Wednesday's delivery truck. Shipping cost is 30 bucks a box (up to 12 bottles) so we highly encourage picking up more than 1 bottle for the best value!