July 2006 Wine Tasting Notes: 2003 Pinot Noirs.
2003 Aubon Climat Pinot Noir, "Knox Alexander" Santa Maria Valley
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Dark ruby color begins this wine which displays prominent cherry and strawberry aromas. Hiding in the shadows of the fruit are hints of earth, mushroom and green pepper. On the palate cherry and strawberry abound and are backed by a hint of spice. Strawberry flavors predominate on the finish. Moderate tannins with a mineral edge impart a solid backbone to this wine. There is a bit of an alcohol sizzle on the finish but not overwhelming. |
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RWB Score: 90 breakdown 13.5% Alcohol $45.00 Retail (from winery); 500 cases produced |
This is an excellent, medium-bodied Pinot with lots of bursting flavors. Very good to drink now but enthusiasts of minimal tannins may want to let it age a few years. This wine is faithful to a Burgundian ideal and enthusiasts of that style will enjoy it now and enjoy it later. |
More Au Bon Climat reviews
Detail
Named after wine maker Jim Clenden's son, Knox Alexander is a vineyard select wine aged 18 months in French (Francois Freres) oak, 75% new. A year of bottle aging follows before release. Au Bon Climat strives for a Burgundian standard in wines.
This wine is a departure from other wines tasted this month in that it is so fruit forward. Judging against previous vintages from Au Bon Climat, the intensity of the fruit flavors is reflective of the peculiar growing season.
As a vineyard select wine, the fruit is from the 8 year old block 11 of the Bien Nacido Vineyard. This block is planted to three Pinot Noir Clones which are gaining in popularity (115, 667 and 777) and two established clones: Swan and Jackson. The wine displays the bright fruit of the Swan clone, the richness and minerality of the Jackson as well as the complexity and structure of the three newer clones.
The Bien Nacido Vineyard is another of Santa Maria Valley’s older vineyard sites, tracing its roots back to 1837. It also bears one of the most formidable reputations. Maybe because of its reputation that it is one of the major viticultural nurseries for certified varietal budwoods. Fruit from this 800 + acre vineyard is sought out by many wine makers. Au Bon Climat/Qupe occupies one of the vineyard's two wine making facilities. The other is used by the Tantara Winery.
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5 points |
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Nose |
4 points |
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Palate |
4 points |
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Finish |
3 points |
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Tannins |
4 points |
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Acidity |
4 points |
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Alcohol |
4 points |
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Aging potential |
3 points |
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Overall quality |
9 points |
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