TN: 2003 Au Bon Climat - Pinot Noir "La Bauge Au-dessus" (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley)

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

from recent K&L thingamabob.

2003 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley (1/27/2025)
– decanted 30 min. before initial taste –
– tasted non-blind over 3.5 hrs. –

NOSE: warm-yet-composed red fruit aromas — on the young side for a 21 yo. wine — this actually has an element of cool site aromatics going on. Fruit aromas are obviously aged, and there’s a subtle underlying tarry note, too.

BODY: burgundy color of medium-light depth, with gentle bricking throughout; medium-light bodied. Cork in fantastic condition.

TASTE: wow — this still has tension to it — Ash guessed 2011 Sonoma; tertiary now — some aged Pinot Funk, and otherwise dominated by autumn leaves and black tea, set before a fading core of red fruit; fully mature; excellent; 13.5% alc. is well-hidden; very impressive; some ripe Gala apple on the finish, which is of medium-light intensity and medium length; no tannins; medium+ acidity. Faded over the course of 3.5 hrs, with the first 1.5 hrs being the best. Excellent. Drink Now.

[Tom_Gutting]

Nice note, Brian! I split a case of these with a couple other Berserkers, and we’ll be doing a dinner with a bunch of them coming up. Glad to have this look. The notes have been glowing when it comes to provenance, in particular.

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

{dupe post}

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

Thanks, Tom. I hope your mixed case shows well for you! I opened the 2001 Sanford and Benedict last night. Past peak, but still very enjoyable with food.

Here’s some pick of the cork and the wine. Of particular note: Look at that cork! … and … remarkable how different the color of the wine can appear depending on where the glass is situated relative to the light source and white background.

[Tom_Gutting]

Dude, that’s superb! Talk about ace provenance. There are few things more satisfying than a cork that pristine!