Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Power Pinot Noir

Jim Clendenen celebrated 25 years of winemaking in 2005 and says it was the best vintage in his time. He decided to look back at his "roots" and honor the vineyards that furnished grapes for his (and others) ground-breaking wines that put the area firmly on the world's winemaking map. The Historic Vineyards Collection on the label is being used to highlight the original important sites.


In Bien Nacido vineyard there are extreme temperature differences..with warm days changing by up to 15° in the night. It is this difference that characterises the wine.


Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir,
Bien Nacido 2005

Historic Vineyards Collection
California, U.S.A.
Cinnamon and cloves stream from the glass...and various spice mixtures..intense dark fruits..thick tannins..but approachable ..a mix of rich fruit that reminded me of sliced marzipan. This is not your typical Pinot Noir..it is a wine that is true to it's terroir...and although drinkable..will benefit from 5 years in your cellar. An iron fist in an iron glove...this is a power Pinot..probably not found anywhere else in California.
Points 17.75+

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