Runway Vineyard Pinot Noir
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5–12 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, seared salmon
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Sourced from the Runway Vineyard, which sits directly adjacent to the legendary Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, this Pinot Noir represents the pinnacle of cool-climate viticulture in Santa Barbara County. Planted in 2008 on sandy loam soils, Runway Vineyard benefits from the unique transverse orientation of the local valleys, which funnels chilly Pacific fog and winds directly into the vines. This dramatic maritime influence slows ripening, allowing the grapes to develop deep complexity and vibrant acidity. Under the late Jim Clendenen's traditional Burgundian philosophy, the wine is crafted using open-top fermenters, manual punch-downs, and aging in premium Francois Frères French oak barrels. The resulting Pinot Noir is a masterclass in restraint and elegance, showcasing bright red fruit, earthy undertones, and a structured, savory finish that honors the legacy of one of California's most iconic winemakers.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1982 by the legendary winemaker Jim Clendenen and Adam Tolmach, Au Bon Climat is a pioneering estate located in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, California. Situated on the historic Bien Nacido Vineyard, the winery is internationally acclaimed for its unwavering commitment to crafting Burgundian-style wines of balance, restraint, and longevity. Utilizing traditional French winemaking techniques, including open-top fermenters, manual punch-downs, and aging in classic Francois Frères French oak barrels, Au Bon Climat produces highly expressive, food-friendly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their signature expressions, such as the Knox Alexander Pinot Noir and Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay, showcase the unique, cool-climate terroir of California's Central Coast.