Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2023/24, California

Rather than the big, bold Cabernet Sauvignons that much of California is known for, Au Bon Climat crafts wines with restrained Burgundian-style flair. Their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs made on the Central Coast show nuance, class and balance, while simultaneously celebrating the hallmarks of the local terroir. Hand-harvesting, small-batch fermentation and French oak ageing have been part of the agenda since day one back in 1982, when owner Jim Clendenen founded the brand. Most of their vineyards are in Santa Barbara County, and this wine beautifully showcases the region’s classic character with fruit-forward aromas of plum and cherries with a fresher strawberry note. Pair it with lamb, duck or pork.