Sierra Madre Vineyard Pinot Noir
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–12 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, seared salmon
✨ wine.spec_sheet
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.
🍾 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.