ABC - 123

June 25, 2009
What has become one of the most memorable trips that I do each year (I just happen to be lucky enough to do it biannually) is visiting the guys up at Au Bon Climat (ABC). Our crew for this adventure was the usual core group of tasting professionals (note: I use the term professional extremely loosely in this specific context) and my parents were able to meet us there. This particular trip, as is customary, followed the irrepressible personality of our gracious host, Jim Clendenen. To be specific, we started slow but ended like a run away freight train, which can be supremely enjoyable as long as you can hold on!

After a hardy greeting by the team, we were treated to a fairly extensive visit to the barrel room by the ever affable Jim Adelman and dry humored Rob Fry. As usual, there was a great mix and variety to both provide great pleasure to the senses and awaken them for the unfailingly spectacular lunch being prepared during our barrel romp.

ABC Barrel Tasting
1. 2008 Clendenen Family Tocai Fruliano
2. 2007 ABC Pinot Gris (to go into 2007 Hildegaard)
3. 2007 ABC Pinot Blanc (to go into 2007 Hildegaard)
4. 2008 ABC Chardonnay (neutral oak)
5. 2008 ABC Chardonnay (new oak)
6. 2008 Qupe Hillside Select Roussanne***
7. 2008 ABC Block 2 Pinot Noir
8. 2008 ABC Los Alamos Pinot Noir
9. 2008 Barham Mendelson Russian River Pinot Noir
10. 2008 Clendenen Family Le Bon Climat Pinot Noir*
11. 2007 Clendenen Family Pinot Noir
12. 2008 Qupe Bien Nacido Baja/Block 11 Syrah
13. 2008 Qupe Bien Nacido X Block Syrah
14. 2008 Qupe Bien Nacido Z Block Syrah***

Before being able to move onto the Italian varietals the chow bell was rung and off we rushed to take full advantage of the sizeable spread that had been prepared by Jim Clendenen. After piling as much on my plate as was possible, I found my seat and engaged the positively hedonistic feast that lay before me. One of the truly special facets of note is that much of our current meal comes from Clendenen's own organic garden.

The lunch is one of those rare occasions that you get to be a part of where chaos and order live in perfect harmony. The conversation goes from sports to politics to women to the finer points of winemaking all within a matter of moments. And, all at the proclivity of our presiding host. The wines are numerous but ordered in a prearranged lineup as was seen appropriate. But, after an initial run through of each, there is a free-for-all where personal taste and position at the table take over. As with this trip, we are typically surprised by a few extra bottles that Clendenen will disappear into a far off corner of the winery and present as he returns.

Lunch menu:
Chicken and sausage jambalaya
Fried Catfish
Okra
BBQ Jumbo Shrimp
Yams
Lima Beans with a lamb broth and ragu
Jalapeno corn bread
Green salad with a beet vinaigrette

Lunch Wines:
1. 2007 ABC Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
2. 2006 ABC Bien Nacido Chardonnay
3. 2006 Ici/La-Bas Chardonnay
4. 2007 ABC Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
5. 2006 ABC Los Alamos Pinot Noir
6. 2006 ABC Nielson Pinot Noir
7. 2006 ABC Isabelle Pinot Noir***
8. 2000 Barham Mendelson Pinot Noir
9. 2001 ABC Mt. Carmel Pinot Noir (1.5L)
10. 2001 Zind-Humbrecht Clos Windshuhl Gewurztraminer
11. 1996 Zind-Humbrecht Hengzt Grand Cru Gewurztraminer***
12. 1990 Ostertag Fonholz Gewurztraminer***
13. 2007 Clendenen Family Auslese Riesling Gold Cap**
14. 1999 Nicolas Potel Premiere Cru Burgundy
15. 2006 ABC Bien Nacido Pinot Noir
16. 1991 Vita Nova Sangiovese
17. 1988 Vita Nova Sangiovese
18. 1991 ABC Chardonnay

After five and a half hours, 32 wines, and more food than normal people should consume in one meal, we decide that it is time to head home. This was such a fantastic day of enjoying the simple things in life that truly make for La Dolce Vita; great food, amazing wine, and wonderful conversation.

Food for thought - Champagne can be a confusing and sometimes mysterious wine. I thought I'd provide a few basic facts to get things started. For one thing, only wine made with grapes grown in the small appellation of Champagne in France can be called "Champagne." There are 9 official varietals that can be made into Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Pinot Gris, Pinot de Juillet, and Pinot Rose. Approximately 99% of Champagne is made with the first three varietals, in equal parts, with the last remaining 1% falling onto the use of the others. Each of the three main varietals provide something unique to the wines made from this region. Chardonnay provides acidity, minerality and verve. Pinot Noir gives a wine length and backbone. And, Pinot Meunier adds body and fruit. These varieties, along with wonderful terrior, can create spectacular wines of distinct character and class.

Cheers!

Side Note: The title of this post was inspired by the life, work, and death of Michael Jackson. While on this trip we learned of his untimely death.

0 Stars - No rating
1 Star (*)- Not of significant quality or interest
2 Stars (**)- A notable wine of legitimate interest
3 Stars (***)- Great wine that is worth searching out
4 Stars (****)- Fantastic wine that should not be missed
5 Stars (*****)- An absolutely mind-bending wine - beg, borrow, or steal to get your hands on some of this amazing juice!

Disclaimer: This rating is based on my palate and at the given time when tasted and may differ from yours. Also, I may catch a bottle in a dumb phase or it just may not speak to me at that particular time.