Au Bon Climat and the connection with Bien Nacido Vineyard Au Bon Climat is a trusted benchmark in Santa Barbara County and has played a key role in the development of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the California coast for decades. Founder Jim Clendenen built the winery based on a clear vision, prioritizing balance, provenance, and aging potential. This approach continues to this day through his family and the winery's dedicated team. The relationship between Au Bon Climat and Bien Nacido Vineyard dates back to the early 1990s. Since then, the winery has held fixed contracts and specific plots within the vineyard. Some of the grapes were even specially planted at Au Bon Climat's request. The winery's production facility is located on Bien Nacido's property, allowing for direct control and involvement. Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard is often considered the crown jewel of Santa Maria Valley and is considered one of California's most iconic cool-climate vineyards. Founded in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller, the vineyard has gained international renown for the consistent quality of its grapes. The oceanfront location ensures cool mornings, mist, and a long growing season. This results in Pinot Noir with pronounced aromatics, crisp acidity, and a distinct spicy and savory undertone. Bien Nacido played a significant role in Santa Maria Valley's recognition as a serious provenance for Burgundian grape varieties and is therefore part of Au Bon Climat's Historic Vineyards Collection. Climate and soil as the basis for Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley is known for its cooler climate within Santa Barbara County. The vineyards face the Pacific Ocean, allowing cool airflow to circulate freely. This slows ripening and creates complexity in aroma and flavor. The soils in Bien Nacido Vineyard consist of well-draining alluvial deposits with sand and loam. This combination of soil and climate contributes to Pinot Noir with refined structure, spice, and tension. Grape variety, clone and harvest in 2023 The 2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is made from 100% Pinot Noir, sourced from the Pommard clone in Block 3 of the vineyard. This clone is known for its aromatic depth and firm structure. The harvest took place on August 25, 2023. As is customary with Au Bon Climat, the grapes were harvested exclusively by hand. By carefully choosing the right moment, the balance between ripeness, acidity, and aromatic intensity was preserved. Vinification with open fermentation and manual extraction After harvest, the grapes were fermented in five-ton open fermentation tanks. During fermentation, pigeage was applied manually twice a day. This method gently breaks the skins and ensures controlled extraction of color, aroma, and tannin. After complete fermentation, the wine was pressed to dryness and transferred to barrel with a moderate amount of lees. The wine was aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels from François Frères. In keeping with Au Bon Climat's style, only new oak was used, which contributes to its structure and aging potential. Maturation, structure and style of this Pinot Noir The long aging in new French oak gives the wine distinct spicy and toasted notes, without losing the vineyard character. The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%, an acidity of 5.5 g/l, and a pH of 3.59. These values underscore the balance between power and freshness. The style is distinct and savory, with a clear spicy and earthy signature that is typical of Bien Nacido Vineyard. Color, aroma and taste of 2023 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard In the glass, the wine displays a bright ruby red color. The aroma opens with ripe notes of strawberry and red fruit, followed by spicy and savory notes of tobacco, dried herbs, and spices. Subtle toasted oak notes add depth. The palate is rich and smooth, with layers of red and black currants, cranberry, and an earthy undertone. Towards the finish, notes of black tea, spice