Au Bon Climat
"Isabelle" California Pinot Noir
California, USA
The 2019 Pinot Noir Isabelle is bright and effusive, with tons of aromatic presence and fine balance. Sweet red cherry fruit, orange peel, spice and dried herbs open first, followed by a host of perfumed floral notes that lead into the mid-palate and finish. The 2019 is silky and quite elegant, all it really needs is another year or two in bottle to come into its own. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
The 2019 Pinot Noir Isabelle is bright and effusive, with tons of aromatic presence and fine balance. Sweet red cherry fruit, orange peel, spice and dried herbs open first, followed by a host of perfumed floral notes that lead into the mid-palate and finish. The 2019 is silky and quite elegant, all it really needs is another year or two in bottle to come into its own. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
Cherry, cranberry, raspberry, flint, currant and oak. Light-bodied and soft tannins.
Cherry, cranberry, raspberry, flint, currant and oak. Light-bodied and soft tannins.
Jun 9th, 2022The 2018 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a powerful, deep wine with equally big tannins that need time to soften. There's terrific density here just waiting to emerge. Copious red fruit, leather, cedar, tobacco and dried herbs occasionally come forward. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2018 for at least a few years. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2021)
The 2018 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a powerful, deep wine with equally big tannins that need time to soften. There's terrific density here just waiting to emerge. Copious red fruit, leather, cedar, tobacco and dried herbs occasionally come forward. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2018 for at least a few years. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2021)
Part of their "Blue Series," Isabelle, named after the birth of Jim’s daughter in 1995, was first top end Pinot Noir that was a blend from different locations, 6 in 2015. Ruby, Aromas of berry fruits with citrus, herbs & floral notes, aged for 2 years in new French Oak. On the palate layers of gentle ripe fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry with citrus and oak wrapped in gentle spice. Wine has great depth, soft tannins, well integrated, savory, long ending with a nice mouthfeel. Very Nice! Last bottle!
Part of their "Blue Series," Isabelle, named after the birth of Jim’s daughter in 1995, was first top end Pinot Noir that was a blend from different locations, 6 in 2015. Ruby, Aromas of berry fruits with citrus, herbs & floral notes, aged for 2 years in new French Oak. On the palate layers of gentle ripe fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry with citrus and oak wrapped in gentle spice. Wine has great depth, soft tannins, well integrated, savory, long ending with a nice mouthfeel. Very Nice! Last bottle!
May 28th, 2020
Not sure if it was just me, but smelled mostly of new oak, which I don't care for. But showing very well overall.
Not sure if it was just me, but smelled mostly of new oak, which I don't care for. But showing very well overall.
May 6th, 2020
Au Bon Climat 2014 Isabelle Pinot Noir
This is best-barrel bottling by Jim Clendenen, named after his daughter.
Medium body. Ripe cherry, very ripe raspberry, black licorice, sweet spices. Mouth-cleansing acidity. Drinking for another 5 + years. Drinking like it’s a premier league PN😉
Au Bon Climat 2014 Isabelle Pinot Noir
This is best-barrel bottling by Jim Clendenen, named after his daughter.
Medium body. Ripe cherry, very ripe raspberry, black licorice, sweet spices. Mouth-cleansing acidity. Drinking for another 5 + years. Drinking like it’s a premier league PN😉
Cherry, cranberry, rhubarb, raspberry, mossy earth and oak. Light-bodied and moderate tannins.
Cherry, cranberry, rhubarb, raspberry, mossy earth and oak. Light-bodied and moderate tannins.
Oct 17th, 2019Part of their "Blue Series," Isabelle, named after the birth of Jim’s daughter in 1995, was first top end Pinot Noir that was a blend from different locations, 6 in 2015. Aromas of berry fruits with citrus, herbs & floral notes, aged for 2 years in new French Oak. On the palate layers of gentle ripe fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry with citrus and oak wrapped in gentle spice. Wine has great depth, soft tannins, well integrated, savory, lingering ending with a nice mouthfeel. Very Nice! Tasting Sample!
Part of their "Blue Series," Isabelle, named after the birth of Jim’s daughter in 1995, was first top end Pinot Noir that was a blend from different locations, 6 in 2015. Aromas of berry fruits with citrus, herbs & floral notes, aged for 2 years in new French Oak. On the palate layers of gentle ripe fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry with citrus and oak wrapped in gentle spice. Wine has great depth, soft tannins, well integrated, savory, lingering ending with a nice mouthfeel. Very Nice! Tasting Sample!
Apr 6th, 2019
The double thick glass would make a good weapon. Unfortunately this wine needs at least another 5 years until it starts to show its true self.
The double thick glass would make a good weapon. Unfortunately this wine needs at least another 5 years until it starts to show its true self.
Mar 10th, 2019
Subtle and soft on opening, nose is relaxed and inviting. Ripe red fruits, raw white mushroom, herbs, wet soil, and beef blood. Palate puts up no fight, smooth and elegant, beautiful well rounded Pinot.
Subtle and soft on opening, nose is relaxed and inviting. Ripe red fruits, raw white mushroom, herbs, wet soil, and beef blood. Palate puts up no fight, smooth and elegant, beautiful well rounded Pinot.
2 people found it helpfulFeb 4th, 2017