Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir

About this wine

Isabelle is the flagship cuvée of Au Bon Climat, created in 1995 to celebrate the birth of winemaker Jim Clendenen's daughter. Rather than a single-vineyard wine, Isabelle is a meticulous multi-vineyard blend assembled from the finest barrels across at least six prestigious sites — from Bien Nacido and Sanford & Benedict in Santa Barbara County to parcels as far north as the Russian River Valley. Small lots are fermented separately in open-top vessels, punched down by hand, and transferred by gravity only; they are then aged 22–24 months in 100% new François Frères French oak. The result is Au Bon Climat's most powerful and complex Pinot Noir: layers of ripe red and dark cherry, forest floor, and toasted spice framed by silky tannins and vivid acidity, with the structure to evolve gracefully for 10–15 years. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2017 vintage 96 points and the 2020 vintage 95 points.

Sommelier's Note

"Au Bon Climat Isabelle is the definitive proof that California can produce Burgundy-level Pinot Noir — a wine every serious collector must experience at least once."

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, and aged Gruyère. The wine's silky texture and vibrant acidity also make it a natural match for umami-rich Japanese dishes — duck hot pot (kamo nabe), tuna zuke, yakitori (tare), and matsutake mushroom dishes. Serve at 14–16°C.

When to drink it

Celebratory dinners, milestone anniversaries, wine-tasting showpieces, and gifts for serious collectors.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir

Style

Red

Price Range

¥8,000–12,000

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Pinot Noir sourced from at least 6 prestigious vineyards across Santa Barbara County and Northern California — including Bien Nacido, Sanford & Benedict, Los Alamos Vineyard, Rancho La Cuna, and Russian River Valley. Small lots fermented in open-top vessels with hand punch-downs; gravity-only transfers. Aged 22–24 months in 100% new François Frères French oak. Produced only in exceptional vintages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir taste like?

It delivers complex layers of black cherry, tea leaf, forest floor, and toasted spice, framed by silky tannins and bright acidity — elegant and Burgundian in style.

How long can I age Isabelle Pinot Noir?

It is excellent upon release but built for the long haul — expect it to evolve gracefully for 10–15 years from the vintage date.

Is Isabelle a single-vineyard wine?

No. It is a meticulously assembled multi-vineyard blend drawn from the finest barrels across at least six top Santa Barbara County and Northern California sites each vintage.

What food pairs best with Isabelle Pinot Noir?

Classic pairings include roasted duck, grilled salmon, and mushroom dishes. It is also exceptional with umami-rich Japanese food such as duck nabe, tuna zuke, and yakitori with tare sauce.