Runway Vineyard Pinot Noir
⏳ Drinking Window
2021 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, seared salmon
✨ Technical Specifications
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.
🍾 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%