Sierra Madre Vineyard Pinot Noir
⏳ Drinking Window
2021 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, seared salmon
✨ Technical Specifications
The Sierra Madre Vineyard, first planted in 1971, is one of the most historic and influential cool-climate sites in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County. This vineyard benefits from the unique transverse mountain ranges of the region, which draw cold marine winds and fog directly from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in one of the longest growing seasons in California. Winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat recognized the exceptional potential of this site early on, sourcing fruit to craft a Pinot Noir of remarkable elegance, bright acidity, and structural longevity. Made using traditional Burgundian techniques, including fermentation in open-top vessels, manual punch-downs, and aging in fine French oak barrels from Francois Frères, this wine is celebrated for its vibrant red berry fruit, forest floor complexity, and refined, savory finish. It stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of Santa Barbara winemaking.
🍾 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%