Home Wine U The Buzz Wine Reviews   Review Archive      04 ABC PN SMV      04 Byron PN SMV      03 Clautiere S.      04 Clautiere V.      04 Consilience AV      04 Foxen "Ocho"      04 Foxen JV      04 Lucia PN      02 Pear Valley S.      04 Presidio PN   Rating System Calendar Fun Stuff About Us Key Contacts Search FAQ Links		August 2006 Wine Tasting Notes: 2004 Pinot Noirs. 2004 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “La Bauge au Dessus”, Santa Maria Valley. A deep red color introduces this wine. A very fruit-forward nose revolves around currant and strawberry. A subtle, smoky after note of herbs and juniper is present. The mouth opens with distinct herbal tones which dominate a bit over the fruit. There is a mineral core to the lightly tannic, oaky mid-palate. The finish is a a bit peppery with strawberry and floral hues shining through. RWB Score: 91 breakdown 13.5% Alcohol $30.00 Retail (from winery);         Total production not know. Keeping in line with his intentions of making Burgundian styled Pinot Noir, Jim Clenden offers a medium body wine with lots of fruit and strong herbal and spice character. This wine is close to its peak. The tannins are firm but not high enough to turn off enthusiasts of lighter bodied wines. The nose is more fruit-driven than the palate.    More Au Bon Climat reviews Detail Despite the comments here about minerality and tannins, this is not an esoteric wine. The 2004 growing season certainly is reflected in this wine with concentration and high extraction. The name 'La Bauge au Dessus' is French for: “the decadent party up above”. It seems a fitting name for this wine characterized by a bold blend of fruit, herb and spice flavors from the Pinot Noir plantings at the highest part of the Bien Nacido Vineyard. 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. 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. Color  5 points Nose  5 points Palate  4 points Finish  3 points Tannins  4 points Acidity  5 points Alcohol  5 points Aging potential  2 points Overall quality  8 points Back to top Rating Scale explained Search our wine reviews archive by: review date, vintage and winery.			Get the buzz: Wine reviews Great stories Interviews Wine education tools New content every month It's FREE! Click here
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