Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, California

Brimming with coastal freshness and classic Burgundian charm, the 2023 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, USA, offers a vibrant and expressive take on this iconic varietal. From the cool-climate vineyards of Santa Barbara, this wine reveals the hallmark balance and nuance that has defined Au Bon Climat’s elegant house style for over four decades.

Product Details:

• Wine: Au Bon Climat Chardonnay
• Producer: Au Bon Climat
• Owner: Knox Alexander & Isabel Clendenen 
• Winemaker: Jim Adelman, Marc Piro, Enrique Rodriguez, Sarah Atwood
• Region: Santa Barbara County, California, USA
• Vintage: 2023
• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
• Acidity: 6.2 g/L
• pH: 3.43
• Residual Sugar: <0 g/L
• Body: Medium-bodied
• Sweetness: Dry
• Mouthfeel: Fresh, round, vibrant
• Aging Potential: Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years
• Farming Practices: Sustainable
• Production: Multi-vineyard sourcing from Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, and North Canyon

Sensory Description:

Fragrant aromas of citron zest, apple blossom, and chamomile lead into a beautifully textured palate framed by crisp acidity. Layers of grapefruit, subtle yeast, and a whisper of creamy oak unfold in vibrant succession. The wine’s structured brightness and long mineral finish are hallmarks of both terroir and craftsmanship, delivering complexity without weight.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1982 by the late Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat has long been synonymous with restraint, tradition, and excellence in Californian winemaking. Located in Santa Barbara County, the winery has adhered to a Burgundian-inspired philosophy, crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that showcase regional expression through traditional techniques. Today, the dedicated winemaking team carries forward Clendenen’s legacy, producing wines of elegance, balance, and unmistakable character.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 10–12°C (50–54°F) in a Burgundy glass to enhance its aromatic lift and layered structure. This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood such as grilled sea bass with citrus glaze, roast chicken with herbs, or a creamy butternut squash risotto. Its minerality and bright acidity also make it a refreshing counterpoint to sushi or fresh goat cheese.

The 2023 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, USA is a beautifully crafted expression of place and tradition, an enduring tribute to balance, nuance, and the enduring legacy of a California icon.