Au Bon Climat, La Bauge Aux Dessus Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA 2016

Jim Clendenen has been making world-class Burgundian-styled wines at ABC since 1982, sourcing fruit from some the Central Coast's top vineyards. Two have contributed in this powerful vintage: Clendenen's own Le Bon Climat and his estate parcels at Bien Nacido. Forward aromas of ripe red berries and pot pourri, then a concentrated, layered palate that's on the musky side – autumn leaves, dried red fruit, exotic spices and smoky oak nuances – supported by fresh acidity. Bottled unfiltered, it is aged for 24 months in François Frères barrels, 50% new.