2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir Isabelle represents all Pinot Noir sites with which Au Bon Climat works, spanning the Russian River Valley and the Central Coast. The nose is intensely ripe and dark fruited, with a substantial framing of cola, clove and new-oak aromas. The palate follows this with a plush, concentrated richness, finishing with a sweetly fruited, oak-driven finish. A touch less elegant and vibrant than the Knox Alexander bottling, this will please fans of ripe, toasty Pinot Noir.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and spent two years in new barrels. It has a translucent ruby hue as well as a beautiful nose of mulled cherries, savory raspberries, spicy wood, and dried flowers. It’s balanced, medium-bodied, has an elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. This classy, complex, elegant 2021 will drink nicely over the coming decade.
The 2021 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a blend of multiple sites in the Au Bon Climat portfolio, taken from the best lots in the winery. It spent 23 months in 100% new oak, long by California standards. It offers tons of aromatic, floral and spice character, but I find the fruit a bit dried out and marked by sweet oak. Nonetheless, the Isabelle is a pretty distinctive wine.