Au Bon Climat Isabelle Pinot Noir, California, USA

奧邦酒莊伊莎貝拉黑皮諾紅葡萄酒

點擊次數：8661

Leading off the two Pinot Noirs, the 2013 Pinot Noir Isabelle is 100% varietal and comes from six different California vineyards (I’m not sure which vineyards or where). Completely barrel-fermented and aged 20 months, its medium ruby/transparent color is followed by lots of spice, autumn leaves and classic sweet-and-sour cherry fruit-like aromas and flavors, medium bodied richness, sweet tannin and an elegant, silky texture. Give it a year to integrate its oak, then enjoy bottles over the following 7-8 years.

The most impressive Pinot here is the 2012 Pinot Noir Isabelle. A selection of the top barrels, it - like the Knox Alexander release - was barrel fermented and aged 20 months in new French oak, of which it's soaked up every trace. Showing distinctly Burgundian notes of sweet red and black fruits, sous bois, underbrush and spice, it's medium bodied, beautifully textured, elegant and layered, with nicely integrated acidity coming through on the finish. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.

All three of the Pinot Noirs were outstanding, and have classic, slightly Burgundian profiles, with notable structure and bright acidity. Also superb, the 2011 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a blend of the top 10 barrels in the winery, and spent 24 months in new oak barrels prior to bottling. Possessing a slight Burgundian slant, with plenty of forest floor, underbrush and spice intermixed with sweet red fruits and floral notes, this beauty is medium-bodied, nicely balanced and has fine tannin framing the finish nicely. It too should shine over the coming 5-7 years. Tel. (805) 937-9801; www.aubonclimat.com

Just drop-dead gorgeous, the 2010 Pinot Noir Isabelle is a blend of the top barrels. Perfumed, elegant and red fruit-driven, with sweet red cherries, spice box, new leather and underbrush all showing in the bouquet, it is medium-bodied, concentrated and elegant, with a seamless texture and juicy acidity. Count me a fan. This knockout Pinot will have 10-12 years or more of prime drinking. Drink now-2022. Tel. (805) 963-7999; www.aubonclimat.com

The 2009 Pinot Noir Isabelle possesses excellent depth and intensity while retaining a medium-bodied personality. The tannins are a bit firm, but if they soften the wine will merit a higher score. Today, the wine comes across as not quite put together. The Isabelle is a blend of the estate’s 40 best barrels of Pinot across multiple appellations. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. Tel. (805) 937-9801; www.aubonclimat.com