Au Bon Climat, Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2022
Product Information
Country USA
Region California
Grape Variety Pinot Noir
Vintage 2022
ABV 13.5%
Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2022
The Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2022 is a classic expression of cool-climate California Pinot Noir. Crafted in the renowned Santa Maria Valley, this elegant red wine showcases the finesse and balance that have made Au Bon Climat one of the most respected producers of Burgundian-style wines in California.
Made from carefully selected fruit grown in some of the region’s most prestigious vineyards, the 2022 vintage captures the distinctive character of the Central Coast. With vibrant red fruit, subtle spice and refined structure, this Pinot Noir offers both immediate drinkability and the ability to evolve beautifully with short-term cellaring.
For wine lovers seeking a refined alternative to heavier California reds, Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2022 delivers elegance, complexity, and outstanding value.
About Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2022
Founded by legendary winemaker Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat has built a global reputation for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay inspired by the traditions of Burgundy.
The 2022 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from several highly regarded vineyards including Bien Nacido, Runway and Solomon Hills. Each vineyard contributes different qualities to the final blend, aromatics, richness, and structure, creating a wine that represents the region’s character and complexity.
The wine is fermented in small open-top fermenters with regular punch-downs to extract flavour and structure before being aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels (around 10% new oak).
This careful approach highlights the wine’s natural fruit while adding subtle spice and texture.
Tasting Notes – Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir 2022
Appearance: Light ruby to pale crimson with brilliant clarity.
Aromas: Fresh strawberries, red cherries, and raspberries rise from the glass, followed by subtle notes of anise, clove, and earthy forest floor.
Palate: Silky and medium-bodied, the wine shows vibrant flavours of cranberry, cherry and pomegranate supported by lively acidity and gentle tannins. Layers of baking spice, white pepper and delicate oak provide complexity.
Finish: Fresh, balanced, and elegant with lingering red fruit and savoury spice notes.
Overall, the style is refined and Burgundian in character, favouring balance and finesse over power.
Wine Critics’ Reviews
Jancis Robinson MW
“Very pale crimson… fresh and ferny… light and delicate.”
Critics frequently praise Au Bon Climat wines for their European-inspired elegance and balance, qualities that have helped make the winery one of the benchmark producers in Santa Barbara County.
Food Pairing Suggestions
The freshness and acidity of Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2022 make it exceptionally versatile with food.
Perfect pairings include:
• Herb-crusted lamb
• Roast duck or turkey
• Grilled salmon
• Mushroom risotto
• Pasta with tomato-based sauces
• Charcuterie and soft cheeses
When young, the wine pairs beautifully with richer dishes such as lamb or cured meats, while additional bottle age makes it an excellent companion for salmon or lighter pasta dishes.
Key Wine Details
Producer: Au Bon Climat
Region: Santa Maria Valley, California
Country: USA
Vintage: 2022
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir (100%)
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Oak Ageing: 12 months French oak (approx. 10% new)
Bottle Size: 750ml
The cool climate of the Santa Maria Valley helps preserve acidity while allowing Pinot Noir to develop bright fruit and aromatic complexity.
Why Buy Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir 2022?
Wine enthusiasts choose this bottle for several reasons:
• Produced by one of California’s most respected Pinot Noir specialists
• Classic cool-climate Santa Maria Valley expression
• Elegant, Burgundian-inspired winemaking style
• Highly versatile with food
• Excellent value compared to many Burgundy wines
Whether you are expanding your Pinot Noir collection or searching for a sophisticated everyday red, Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2022 is an outstanding choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What style of wine is Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir 2022?
A. It is a medium-bodied, elegant California Pinot Noir made in a Burgundian style, focusing on balance, acidity, and nuanced fruit flavours.
Q. Where is Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir produced?
A. The wine is produced in the Santa Maria Valley on California’s Central Coast, one of the coolest and most respected regions for Pinot Noir.
Q. How long can Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir 2022 be aged?
A. While enjoyable now, the wine can develop additional complexity over 5–7 years of cellaring.
Q. What temperature should Pinot Noir be served at?
A. Serve slightly below room temperature, around 14–16°C, to highlight freshness and aromatic complexity.
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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
