Mt. Carmel Pinot Noir
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2030
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
roasted duck, creamy mushroom risotto, seared salmon
✨ Technical Specifications
Perched on the high, wind-swept slopes of the Sta. Rita Hills, the Mt. Carmel Vineyard is a legendary site defined by its extreme conditions and unique diatomaceous soils. Planted in 1989, this dry-farmed, steep vineyard forces vines to struggle, resulting in tiny, intensely concentrated berries. The late, iconic winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat was among the first to champion this rugged terroir, crafting a Pinot Noir of remarkable tension and depth. Utilizing traditional Burgundian methods, including open-top fermentation and aging in fine Francois Frères French oak barrels, this cuvée beautifully balances the wild, savory character of the Pacific-influenced site with Clendenen's signature elegance, restraint, and vibrant acidity.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1982 by the visionary late winemaker Jim Clendenen and Adam Tolmach, Au Bon Climat is situated in the cool-climate expanse of the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Operating out of the acclaimed Bien Nacido Vineyard, the winery forged an international reputation by championing restraint, balance, and classical Burgundian traditions long before cool-climate California viticulture entered the mainstream. Driven by early harvesting, indigenous fermentations, and meticulous French oak aging, Au Bon Climat crafts structured, age-worthy wines distinguished by high natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. The estate is celebrated globally for its expressive site-specific and reserve bottlings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, including iconic signature labels such as Knox Alexander, Isabelle, and Nuits-Blanches au Bouge.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
13.5