2009 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

About This Wine

In 1974, Jim Clendenen discovered life beyond tacos.

He was in his junior year at the University of California Santa Barbara, studying pre-law. He took a trip to France, and it made such an impression that he returned after graduation and spent a month in Burgundy and Champagne. That’s when Clendenen decided to pursue a life in wine rather than law.

The courtroom’s loss has been the cellar’s gain. In 1981, Clendenen worked a total of three harvests — adding crushes in Australia and France to his “day job” with Zaca Mesa Winery. The next year, he founded Au Bon Climat with Adam Tolmach in Santa Barbara County.

The 2009 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir really reflects the 2009 vintage in Santa Barbara County, with balanced fruit flavors, structure and surprising richness. “There is nothing pretentious here,” Clendenen says, “just well balanced, nicely textured, brightly fruity wine that seems to go with everything.”

About Pinot Noir

Very sensitive to climate and handling in winery, this fickle grape of Burgundy yields low tannin and acidity, medium colors and lifespan. Classic berry, cherry and currant flavors, silky textures typically balanced with spicy or floral tones.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Pinot Noir
• Grape Source:5 Premier Vineyards in Santa Barbara County
• Aromas & Flavors:Clove, Coriander, Wild Strawberry, Sour Cherry, Smoke & a Hint of Earth
• Aging Vessels:Assorted Oak Barrels
• When to Drink:Now Through 2014
• Food Pairing Suggestiongrilled salmon, or grilled meats.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Duck Breast With Red Wine Risotto This recipe calls for a good quality red wine, and we suggest either Pinot Noir or Merlot. Whichever you choose, we also suggest serving that wine with the meal. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Grenoble Style Salmon This recipe, which matches beautifully with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Mushroom Barley Stew A fruity red wine is the perfect match for this hearty recipe, which serves 4 to 6. MUSHROOM BARLEY STEW Ingredients - 1 T olive oil - 2 carrots, chopped... Get The Recipe
  

  Green Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette With almost any type of salad, we suggest Sauvignon Blanc as a well-matched wine. But because of the cranberry flavor featured in this recipe, you may want to try a wine that includes cranberry among its aromas and flavors. We tried it with a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir, and it turned out to be an intriguing and enticing combination. Get The Recipe
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  Smoked Duck A La Orange Just in case this year's California wildfires impart a smoky flavor to vintage 2008 wines, here's a recipe that will match up nicely. Otherwise, try this dish - developed by Garre Winery Executive Chef Ty Turner -- with naturally smoky wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir or Syrah. Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Balsamic Maple Glazed Salmon Try this recipe, which makes 4 servings, with Pinot Noir or Syrah. Get The Recipe
  

  The Perfect Potatoes With the holidays on the horizon, several ACWC members have asked us for recipes to accompany main dishes such as turkey or ham. Here's one we love - and it can even be a meal in itself, served with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. It makes 6 to 8 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
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  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pinot Noir Sauce Try this flavorful sauce over lamb or prime rib, and serve with Pinot Noir, Malbec or a red blend... Get The Recipe