# Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir (2023)

- **Producer:** Au Bon Climat
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €65
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, plum, violet, herbaceous, mint, blueberry, vanilla, cloves, cedar, smoke, forest floor, wet leaves, mushroom

## About this wine

Sanford & Benedict is a legendary site in American viticulture, planted in 1971 in what is now the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. It proved to a skeptical wine world that world-class, Burgundian-style Pinot Noir could thrive in Santa Barbara County. Late founder Jim Clendenen, the iconic 'Wild Boy' of California wine, began purchasing fruit from this vineyard in the mid-1980s, establishing a historic partnership. Today, the estate continues Jim's legacy of producing balanced, food-friendly wines with remarkable longevity under the guidance of his family and long-time winemaking team.

## Interesting facts

- Sanford & Benedict is a pioneer vineyard planted in 1971, proving that world-class Pinot Noir could thrive in Santa Barbara County.
- The wine is aged in 100% new French oak barrels, yet the old-vine fruit seamlessly integrates the wood without being overpowered.
- Bottled completely unfined and unfiltered, making this historic California Pinot Noir 100% vegan-friendly.

## Food pairing

This elegant, high-acid Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with earthy, savory dishes that mirror its herbal and forest-floor undertones. The vibrant acidity cuts through rich meats like duck and salmon, while the moderate tannins complement delicate proteins without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested in the cool early morning hours to preserve fresh fruit aromatics. In the cellar, approximately 50% of the fruit is fermented whole-cluster in open-top fermenters, utilizing daily manual punch-downs for gentle extraction. The wine is aged for 18 to 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels from the prestigious François Frères cooperage. To maintain its natural texture, structure, and complexity, the wine is bottled completely unfined and unfiltered.