Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir Sanford Benedict Vintage:2023

Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir Sanford Benedict Vintage:2023The 2017 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is a singular, gorgeous wine, made from the second set of vines planted on the site, with about 50% whole cluster. "The really old vines are planted east west, so I don't like those," says Jim Clendenen. "We don't use much whole cluster anymore, but that's what gives this its spice." Pale to medium ruby, it has a nose of perfumed red and black cherries, star anise and tree bark, feeling a touch

As is usually the case

quinine and a whiff of just sliced citrus

green apple and white peach suffused nose

grainy tannins with oodles of freshness and epic persistence

This is a class act

deep ruby-red

Castelnuovo dell'Abate

The 2018 Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard was made with 46% whole clusters and aged 17 months in 51% new French oak

with abundant balsamic aromas and notes from the woodspice and smoke with an ashy touch

Mossy aromas plus baked cherry and a touch of graphite – lovely classic claret aromas without any hint of austerity – this is generous

fig and cedar

Lively acidity and a streak of salinity drive the flavors of toast