Au Bon Climat 'Sanford & Benedict' Pinot Noir 2001

A formative trip to Burgundy in the mid-1970s convinced Jim Clendenen to abandon his fledgling legal career and pursue a life devoted to wine. In 1982, he established Au Bon Climat in an old dairy in the Santa Maria Valley and his classically-styled Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs have been a Californian benchmark ever since.

Farming prized vineyards in the cool hills north of Santa Barbara, including ‘Bien Nacido’, ‘Sanford & Benedict’, and ‘Le Bon Climat’, Jim’s artisanal, Old World approach set him apart at a time when high alcohol and heavily oaked wines were the norm in California. By 1989 Au Bon Climat was featured in Robert Parker’s list of the best domaines in the world.

From a winery shared with Rhône enthusiast Bob Lindquist of Qupé, Au Bon Climat crafts multiple site-specific cuvées from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Offering beautiful aromatics and a depth of flavour akin to Grand Cru Burgundy, Jim’s wines also have outstanding ageing potential.

In 2021 Jim sadly passed away, however the domaine remains in good hands with his children Isabelle and Knox carrying on their father’s work.

We are thrilled to offer this pristine parcel of mature Au Bon Climat – a legacy of Jim’s extensive library of older vintages. Perfectly suited to the festive table, especially in magnum, they offer rare glimpse of a true Californian icon with age.

Sensual and fragrant – cherry, cinnamon, cola berry, and toasty oak.

Please note that these bottles have fragile corks, which are best removed with a Durand. We are unable to refund, credit, or replace bottles over 10 years of age.