91 Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media

"Light red. Sexy aromas of strawberry, raspberry, rose, mocha and anise, with a slow-building potpourri quality. Red and dark berry flavors are sweet on entry, then gain energy and tangy minerality on the back end. Tightly wound, understated pinot, with very good depth, focus and finishing lift. I suspect that many California pinotphiles will find it wanting for richness and power." -91 points - Josh Raynolds - International Wine Cellar

Cellar Tracker Favorite! This wine has a median score of 92 points in 17 notes! Click here to read all of the reviews.

WINE:
"While most Au Bon Climat Pinots are vineyard specific, Isabelle is created by masterful blending in the cellar of the best barrels from those specific sites (Bien Nacido, Sanford & Benedict, Talley Rincon, Mt. Carmel...the proportions are a very proprietary secret). The result is a wine of incredible depth, complexity, and focus- very serious Pinot. For this year's Isabelle, Jim was presented with more quality components than he has ever had to work with due to the exceptional nature of the vintage. A brilliant effort worthy of space in any cellar- it will live for years." -Winery

WINERY:
"Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat (which means 'a well-exposed vineyard') produces internationally-recognized Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc wine from grapes grown in California's Santa Barbara County."

"The Au Bon Climat winery is located on the world-famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, and is owned by winemaker Jim Clendenen. Au Bon Climat was listed on Robert Parker's Best Wineries of the World in both 1989 and 1990, while Jim Clendenen has been named Winemaker of the Year in 1992 by the Los Angeles Times, and Winemaker of the Year in 2001 by Food and Wine Magazine." -Winery