Au Bon Climat, Santa Barbara Chardonnay

Needing little introduction, we are delighted to now have the wines of the late Jim Clendenen available. Deeply influenced by his love of Burgundy, Clendenen set up ABC with Adam Tolmach in 1982 with the ambition to make wines that spoke of their place, which emulate the restraint and finesse of Europe but with a magic touch of New World flair. The vineyards ABC source their grapes from reads as a ‘who’s who’ of Central Coast vineyards with Bien Nacido and Jim’s own “Le Bon Climat” as the biggest contributors. He passed away in 2021 and is remembered as one of the most charismatic and influential people of his vinous generation.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is a beautiful example of the Au Bon Climat style. The flinty, stony aromas stand out, while in the background is an intriguing spice note of clove and nutmeg from sur lies barrel aging in somewhat neutral, François Frères barrels for 10 months. Flavors and aromas of citrus and stone fruit, are finished with a beautiful lemon/lime zest note. This wine is intense, but light on its feet and is built to compliment food, not over power food. It's immediately enjoyable and it will improve for at least 10 years.