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2020 Au Bon Climat, Knox Alexander, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

  • Red
  • Dry
  • Full Bodied
  • Pinot Noir
Ready, but will improve
Product: 20201135668
2020 Au Bon Climat, Knox Alexander, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

Description

Santa Maria - Bien Nacido & Runway. Brilliant expression of terroir. 25% whole cluster with 22 months ageing in French oak.

The 2020 Knox Alexander Pinot Noir is an incredibly fine offering from the ABC canon, a true homage to the Santa Maria Valley terroir and named in honour of founder Jim Clendenen’s son. This is an expert blend from two of their top vineyards, Bien Nacido and Runway, and for the first time, includes 25% whole cluster berries. This allows the nose to display exquisite aromas of ripe cranberries, sweet strawberries and dark chocolate shavings.

The 22 months spent in top-quality French oak have resulted in beautifully integrated tannins that coat the mouth with a velvety finesse. The wine is surprisingly full-bodied for a Pinot Noir and brimming with intensity, expressive without being overpowering. One of the best offerings in memory, the 2020 is certainly one to savour – enjoy with roast duck or mushroom dishes.

Drink 2024 - 2043

Katie Merry, Assistant Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

Knox Alexander is such a joy to enjoy! Start with a powerful aroma of cherries, raspberries and fresh herbs. With high percentage of whole clusters, we get a spicy note of orange peel, dark chocolate and a hint of vanilla on the palate. Very long finish and this wine will age gracefully. Powerhouse!

Sigurdur Thor Gunnlaugsson, Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd

Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2020
Maturity Ready, but will improve
Grape List Pinot Noir
Body Full Bodied
Producer Au Bon Climat

About this wine

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.
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Au Bon Climat

The late Jim Clendenen founded Au Bon Climat (ABC) in 1982. He became famous for making pioneering wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on California’s Central Coast. He passed away in 2021 and is remembered as one of the most charismatic and influential people of his vinous generation.
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