Au Bon Climat

A wine named after an Empress has to be exquisite. This distinctive blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté is barrel fermented and gets extra barrel and bottle time. The barrels for this program are all new Francois Frères French oak. Combining a unique blend with long term barrel aging made something special. The lovely aroma of vanillin and hazelnuts from the oak and the mouth-coating richness makes for a wine that seems like a top-notch Chardonnay. The fruit profile is more melony than Chardonnay and the aromas are more flowery than Chardonnay. Food matches that work with Chardonnay would work fine with Hildegard.

Aromas of spice, rose petals and berried are amplified on the palate.

90 PTS STEPHEN TANZER. The '04 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir has pure aromas of raspberry, cherry, smoked meat and flowers; flavors of red berries, minerals and subtle oak.

The Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir is soft and balanced with excellent refined character. Ripe berry fruits are understated.

92 PTS WINE SPECTATOR. The '00 Au Bon Climat 20th Anniversary Chardonnay starts with perfumed floral and sandalwood aromatics, then shows off a beam of smoky lemon, citrus, spicy pear; long, rich.

Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Pinot Noir is as good as it gets; superb aromas and flavor of ripe strawberries linger nicely; a top wine!

90 PTS STEPHEN TANZER. The '04 Au Bon Climat La Bauge Au Dessus Pinot Noir has aromas of black cherry, licorice, underbrush, fresh herbs and rose petal; opens nicely with air; nicely structured.

88 PTS STEPHEN TANZER. The '00 Au Bon Climat Talley-Ricon Chardonnay has aromas of pineapple, lees and charred, spicy oak; has texture and juiciness; a nice sugar/acid balance; very good length.

87 PTS WINE SPECTATOR. The '00 Au Bon Climat Santa Rita Chardonnay is a tasty mix of rich earthy citrus, pear and spicy anise flavors; well-focused with enough intensity to merit short-term cellaring.

Santa Barbara. Full bodied with mouth filling citrus fruit and a palate cleansing, bright finish. 13.5% ABV

Aromas and flavors of strawberries and raspberries are joined by anise and clove notes with mouth filling intensity. 13.5% ABV