2015 Au Bon Climat La Bauge-Au-dessus Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $35. The name of this wine translates to “wild party up stairs.” Grapes are sourced from Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat vineyards. Aged 24 months in Francois Frères French oak barrels, 50% new. Lightly fined with egg whites and bottled unfiltered. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, burnt tobacco, sandalwood and ash. Relatively light in weight but flavorful, with a core of red cherry fruit embraced by oak. Elegantly styled, with gossamer tannins and some finishing generosity. Fine, but leans a little bit too much on oak. Score: 89. Reviewed July 20, 2019

Winery: Au Bon Climat
From article: Recently Tasted California Wines