Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat (which means "a well-exposed vineyard") produces internationally-recognized Pinot Noir & Chardonnay from grapes grown in California's Santa Barbara County.
Located at the foot of one of California's most rated vineyards, Bien Nacido in the Santa Maria Valley, one of the finest sites in California, ideal for the production of the refined, Burgundian style of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to which Jim so aspires, ABC, as it is more commonly referred to, has won universal acclaim for its wines thanks to Jim 'Wild Boy' Clendenen, its winemaker & owner.
He regards Burgundy as the benchmark to which he should aspire and buys clones of Pinot Noir from Burgundy in a bid to replicate as closely as possible the restraint and finesse of the wines from that region.
Jim eschewed a career in law for the lure of the vine following a month's stay in Burgundy & Champagne when he was 21. He has never looked back, although he is frequently to be found darkening the doors along the stretch of the Cote d'Or. Unsurprisingly his wines combine the minerally precision & grace of Burgundy with the flair of the West Coast.
Golden straw in colour, an attractive nose reveals notes of citrus, ripe stone fruit, toast and a hint of smoke. Rich and creamy in texture, the palate is concentrated and generous with an abundance of layered ripe fruit and harmoniously integrated oak. Crisp and focused on the finish, this is an excellent Californian chardonnay that offers immense drink-ability.
Golden straw in colour, an attractive nose reveals notes of citrus, ripe stone fruit, toast and a hint of smoke.
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