Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Chardonnay 23

Founded in 1982 by the late, great Jim Clendenen — one of California's most beloved and influential winemakers — Au Bon Climat ("the well-exposed vineyard") has spent four decades proving that Santa Barbara County can make Chardonnay of true Burgundian elegance. This bottling, offered since the very beginning as Clendenen's "introductory" Chardonnay, draws from five cool-climate vineyards including the legendary Bien Nacido, where the winery itself sits. Whole-cluster pressed, barrel-fermented through full malolactic, and aged sur lie in seasoned François Frères French oak, it's flinty and bright: citrus and stone fruit laced with clove and nutmeg, finishing on zesty lemon-lime. Intense but light on its feet — built to complement food, not overpower it.

Wine Details:

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

ABV: Approx. 13.5%

Region: Santa Barbara County, California — incl. Bien Nacido, Los Alamos & Gold Coast vineyards

Farming / Practices: Hand-picked from cool-climate Central Coast vineyards; whole-cluster pressed, barrel fermentation with full malolactic, aged sur lie 8–10 months in neutral François Frères French oak

Producer: Au Bon Climat, Santa Maria Valley; founded by Jim Clendenen in 1982, family-run today

Bottle Size: 750ml