Since it was founded in 1982 by jim clendenen, au bon climat has had one ambition to produce burgundian style wines with class and nuance. It’s not a straightforward task in the heart of sun soaked california, but by employing traditional techniques such whole cluster pressing and ageing in french oak barrels for 20 months, the label’s wines are famously layered and well structured. They have great sense of place, too – as shown in this bottling from the lala panzi vineyard, which is organically farmed and manually tilled. Expect aromatic and sophisticated red berry character and a hint of spice. Try it with duck, grilled mushrooms or pork.