Reviews & Ratings

2016 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir "Isabelle"

Winery: Au Bon Climat

Vintage: 2016

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Isabelle"

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: California

State or country: CA

Price: $50

Cases produced: 1,450

KWG Score: 94.6 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: May 14, 2020

Wine Review: This light red colored Pinot Noir from Au Bon Climat opens with a light blueberry and red cherry bouquet with hints of forest floor and mushrooms. On the palate, this wine is light bodied, balanced, delicate and elegant. The flavor profile is a tasty light plum with notes of spice and gentle vanilla oak. We also detected hints of minerality and cranberry. The finish is dry and its very fine tannins linger nicely. The Panel suggested pairing this Pinot with grilled red snapper or beef wellington. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Isabelle is unlike any other Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir. Our top Pinot Noirs prior to making Isabelle in 1994 were all single vineyard wines. Isabelle was the first top end Pinot Noir that was a blend from different locations. We blend the best barrels from at least six different vineyards. Making the best wine from our best barrels is the goal, so the blend has varied over the years. This tasting process takes a few days, after the initial selection, the barrels are reevaluated a few months later just prior to putting Isabelle together.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Au Bon Climat 2016 Isabelle Pinot Noir.