The wines of Au Bon Climat have become modern classics. Founded in 1982 by the late Jim Clendenen, the winery helped redefine what California pinot noir could be, championing elegance, restraint and longevity at a time when richer, more opulent styles dominated. Opportunities to offer one of their finest single-vineyard wines are rare, so I'm delighted to be able to bring you the 2022 La Bauge Au-dessus, offered in bond.
Order by midday Friday 4th September
Drawn exclusively from the celebrated Bien Nacido Vineyard, the 2022 vintage is a beautifully judged expression of the Au Bon Climat philosophy. Fragrant red cherry and wild strawberry fruit are framed by subtle spice and seamlessly integrated French oak, while the vineyard's naturally cool conditions bring freshness, precision and energy to the palate. Elegant rather than powerful, it is a pinot noir that speaks quietly but confidently of its site, with the balance and structure to reward patient cellaring.
Despite its playful name – La Bauge Au-dessus, or ‘the wild party upstairs’ – there is nothing exuberant about the winemaking. Jim Clendenen believed great wines were made by teams, not individuals, and his colleagues continue to follow the Burgundian principles that defined his career: moderate alcohol, restrained extraction and patient ageing in French oak, allowing the vineyard to remain the true star of the glass.
We have bought our full allocation on this wine, but I suspect we may still run out so please don’t miss it. It’s a wine that is singing on release but will also age beautifully if you can resist it.
