Au Bon Climat La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir 2020

Details

Experience the refined elegance of Au Bon Climat’s La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir 2020, a wine that offers a remarkable Old World character with a distinct Californian influence. Sourced from the esteemed Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Barbara County, this wine showcases the perfect balance of complexity and approachability, reflecting the cool-climate conditions ideal for Pinot Noir.

The 2020 vintage boasts a captivating aroma of dried cherry and cranberry, complemented by delicate floral notes of rose petal. Hints of cedar, leather, and dark chocolate add layers of depth, reminiscent of an aged Burgundy from a prestigious domaine. The hallmark of La Bauge Au-dessus is its impeccable integrationsmooth, balanced, and eminently drinkable, making it a standout in the world of Pinot Noir.

The winemaking process is a careful labor of love, beginning with hand-harvested grapes from the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard. The Pinot Noir is fermented in 5-ton open-top fermenters, with the cap of skins punched down once or twice daily to ensure optimal extraction of the finest flavors from the grapes. After fermentation, the wine is pressed to complete dryness and then aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak barrels crafted by the esteemed cooper Franois Frres. The wine is racked in the spring before being returned to barrel, allowing for further refinement.

This Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for those who appreciate both the complexity of Old World wines and the drinkability of well-crafted California Pinot Noir. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or rich cheeses, and has the aging potential to develop even further over time.

Tasting Notes
The La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir 2020 reveals a complex character with dried cherry, cranberry, and rose petal aromas, accompanied by hints of cedar, leather, and dark chocolate. These nuanced flavors evoke the sophistication of an aged Burgundy, while the wines seamless integration and easy-drinking nature make it truly exceptional.

Winemaker Notes
The fruit for this wine comes exclusively from the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard. After hand harvesting, the Pinot Noir is fermented in 5-ton open-top fermenters, with punch downs twice a day to extract the best characteristics of the grapes. After fermentation, the wine is pressed to dryness and aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak barrels from Franois Frres, allowing it to develop its exceptional structure and complexity.

Elevate your wine collection with Au Bon Climat’s La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir 2020a sophisticated and beautifully integrated expression of Pinot Noir that promises enjoyment now and for years to come.