2019 Au Bon Climat, Larmes de Grappe, Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, California, USA

A truly special, whole cluster selection from the Sanford & Benedict vineyard, the Larmes de Grappe (or ‘tears of the whole cluster’), was again superb in 2019. The wine has a very intense, deep nose full of complex, rich fruit. The perfume is astonishing, open, fresh and quite intoxicating. 

The palate is concentrated and multi-layered yet is still restrained and shy at this stage, whilst the finish is fragrant and refreshing yet leaves an elegant, savoury line lingering alongside the sweet, ripe raspberry fruit—pure loveliness. 

Drink 2025 - 2044

Catriona Felstead MW, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Here, the Santa Ynez Valley creates a channel to the Pacific Ocean, drawing in the cool air and forming an ideal growing climate for Pinot Noir. Strikingly expressive and complex. Noticeably more herbal than the rest of the line-up - defined notes of rosemary and thyme backed by cranberry and spice. It’s still brilliantly covered in ABC’s signature—lots of sweet red cherry and berry fruit. The generous fruit profile is backed by excellent acidity and fine tannins. 

Drink 2024 - 2036+ 

Charlie Leech, Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd