2019 Au Bon Climat, La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

‘Estate bottled’ is emblazoned on the front label. Fairly subtle aroma of violets and a very dry finish. Serious wine that is still in its infancy.Drink 2021 - 2030jancis_robinson_mw MW, JancisRobinson.com (March 2020)

Moving to the Pinot Noirs, the translucent ruby-hued 2019 Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus offers good complexity in its mulled cherries, mulberry, sagebrush, and minty herb-like aromas and flavours. It's medium-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant, and thoroughly enjoyable.jeb_dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (August 2023)

The 2019 Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-Dessus is attractive, but it is almost shockingly firm for a wine that has been in bottle for a few years. The high percentage of stem inclusion might have something to do with that. Bright red-toned fruit, dried flowers, mint and orange peel give this nervy Pinot an attractive upper register. It will be interesting to see if this softens a bit.Au Bon Climat remains a reference point for Santa Barbara, perhaps THE reference point given the global reach these wines now enjoy. The last time I saw too many changes here was when Jim Clendenen passed away in early 2021, although most of these wines were made while he was still alive. The signatures are a fair amount of new oak for the Chardonnays, but often with prominent use of large and thick-staved 350L barrels and heavy use of whole clusters for the Pinots. The top selections often see extended time in wood. Of course, it all starts with sourcing at some of the very finest vineyards in Santa Barbara. Jim Clendenen influenced pretty much all of today’s younger generation, and that influence remains. Readers will find several compelling wines in this year’s crop of new releases.Drink 2024 - 2031antonio_galloni, Vinous.com.com (July 2023)