Au Bon Climat – Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2018 75cl Bottle

Made with grapes from grapes grown at Le Bon Climat, Runway, and Bien Nacido vineyards. Au Bon Climat’s winemaking has changed little in 35 years; they are still making handcrafted wines using the same basic, time proven techniques. No short cuts here. They use only Franois Frres french oak barrels not cheap, but essential to meet their criteria aging about 20 months in barrel. The cocoa and char from the barrels mixes nicely with the spicy cranberry/strawberry notes so typical of Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. Though enjoyable now, the wine will continue to develop and be enhanced by age.