Au Bon Climat, Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022
Product Information
Country USA
Region California
Grape Variety Pinot Noir
Vintage 2022
ABV 13.5%
Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022
The Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022 is the flagship Pinot Noir from the iconic California producer Au Bon Climat. Crafted from the finest barrels across top vineyards in California’s Central Coast, this elegant red wine represents the pinnacle of the winery’s Burgundian-inspired winemaking style.
First created in the mid-1990s by renowned winemaker Jim Clendenen, the Isabelle cuvée was designed as the ultimate expression of Pinot Noir from the region. Each vintage blends the best lots from multiple vineyard sites to achieve depth, complexity, and balance.
The 2022 vintage showcases vibrant red fruit, floral aromatics, and silky texture, making it one of the most refined and collectible Pinot Noirs produced by Au Bon Climat.
About Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022
Isabelle is produced from carefully selected fruit sourced from prestigious vineyards across California Central Coast, including renowned sites such as Bien Nacido Vineyard and other cool-climate vineyards in Santa Barbara County. These coastal sites benefit from Pacific breezes and morning fog, conditions ideal for growing elegant and aromatic Pinot Noir.
Unlike many single-vineyard wines, Isabelle is a barrel-selection blend, meaning the winemaking team tastes through numerous barrels and selects only the best for the final cuvée. This meticulous approach ensures exceptional quality and complexity each vintage.
The wine is typically matured in high-quality François Frères French oak barrels, enhancing structure while allowing the fruit character to remain the focus.
The result is a Pinot Noir that combines Burgundian finesse with California fruit intensity.
Tasting Notes – Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022
Appearance: Brilliant ruby red with delicate garnet reflections.
Aromas: Elegant aromas of red cherry, raspberry and cranberry layered with rose petal, white pepper, and subtle forest-floor complexity.
Palate: Silky and refined with vibrant red fruit flavours supported by lively acidity. Notes of cherry, candied cranberry and delicate spice evolve into hints of nutmeg, jasmine and earthy undertones as the wine opens in the glass.
Finish: Long and layered with soft tannins, savoury complexity, and a lingering red-fruit finish.
Overall, the style is balanced, elegant and age-worthy, reflecting the hallmark finesse of Au Bon Climat wines.
Food Pairing Suggestions
The refined structure and vibrant acidity of Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022 make it an exceptional wine for food pairing.
Perfect pairings include:
• Roast duck with cherry sauce
• Herb-crusted lamb
• Mushroom risotto
• Truffle pasta dishes
• Grilled salmon or tuna
• Charcuterie and aged cheeses
The wine’s balance of fruit and savoury complexity allows it to complement both rich meat dishes and earthy vegetarian cuisine.
Key Wine Details
Producer: Au Bon Climat
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Vintage: 2022
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: ~13.5% ABV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Au Bon Climat was founded in 1982 and has become one of the most respected wineries on California’s Central Coast, producing wines inspired by classic Burgundy.
Why Buy Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022?
Wine collectors and enthusiasts seek out Isabelle for several reasons:
• Flagship Pinot Noir from a legendary California producer
• Blend of the finest barrels from top Central Coast vineyards
• Burgundian-inspired elegance and balance
• Highly regarded by wine critics
• Excellent ageing potential
If you are searching for a premium California Pinot Noir with both complexity and finesse, the Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022 is an exceptional choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What makes Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir special?
A. Isabelle is produced from the best barrels each vintage, making it one of the winery’s most refined and prestigious Pinot Noir blends.
Q. Where is Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir produced?
A. The wine is sourced from vineyards across California’s Central Coast, particularly Santa Barbara County and Santa Maria Valley.
Q. How long can Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir 2022 age?
A. With proper storage, the wine can develop additional complexity over 10–15 years, gaining earthy and savoury notes as it matures.
Q. What temperature should Pinot Noir be served at?
A. Serve slightly below room temperature, ideally 14–16°C, to highlight the wine’s aromatics and balance.
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Founded in 1982 by the late and legendary winemaker Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat Winery has become a cornerstone of California's Central Coast wine scene. Specializing in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines with a Burgundian influence, Au Bon Climat (often affectionately called “ABC”) continues to set the standard for elegant, age-worthy wines from this region.
Jim Clendenen, remembered as one of the most charismatic and influential winemakers of his generation, discovered his passion for wine during a life-changing trip to Burgundy while studying law at UC Santa Barbara in the 1970s. Inspired by the refined elegance of French wines, Jim returned to California with a vision: to craft Burgundy-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the greats of Europe, yet reflect the unique terroir of the California Central Coast.
Translating to “a well-exposed vineyard,” the name Au Bon Climat perfectly describes the ideal growing conditions of the winery’s vineyard sites. Nestled in the coastal hills of Santa Barbara County, these vineyards benefit from cooling Pacific Ocean breezes and early morning fog, creating the perfect environment for producing balanced, nuanced California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines
