Au Bon Climat
Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
2014 drunk in 2024. Who knew this would hold up so well over 10 years? At the 2014 price I stand by my earlier statements that this was the best value American wine. Will need to pick up some later vintages to see if this still holds up.
2014 drunk in 2024. Who knew this would hold up so well over 10 years? At the 2014 price I stand by my earlier statements that this was the best value American wine. Will need to pick up some later vintages to see if this still holds up.
Jul 10th, 2024
Very well made, not too much oak; white stone fruit, quince, pineapple, round and supple.
Very well made, not too much oak; white stone fruit, quince, pineapple, round and supple.
Oct 29th, 2022
Apple, honey, lemon, dried apricot and oak. Good acidity and balance.
Apple, honey, lemon, dried apricot and oak. Good acidity and balance.
Sep 21st, 2021
A real bargain for $25. Light Ruby with aromas of red fruit and gentle perfume spice. On the palate strawberry and cranberry with tea and baking spices on a smooth tannin structure. Fresh finish with a medium length ending. Solid value, the fruit should calm down a bit in a year or so.
A real bargain for $25. Light Ruby with aromas of red fruit and gentle perfume spice. On the palate strawberry and cranberry with tea and baking spices on a smooth tannin structure. Fresh finish with a medium length ending. Solid value, the fruit should calm down a bit in a year or so.
May 8th, 2021
Tonights wine I have opened is the 2012 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Chardonnay.
On the nose I am finding notes of lemon, giava, apricots, pear, vanilla, and good minerality.
On the palate there is lemon, papaya, apricot, baked apple, coconut, butter and a good dose of minerals.
This wine is medium bodied with good structure that is complex and has a rich viscous mouthfeel, high acidity with even being 9 years of age that leads right into a long crisp tropical fruit mineral finish. Have a great week and please be safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🥂🥂🥂🥂
Tonights wine I have opened is the 2012 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Chardonnay.
On the nose I am finding notes of lemon, giava, apricots, pear, vanilla, and good minerality.
On the palate there is lemon, papaya, apricot, baked apple, coconut, butter and a good dose of minerals.
This wine is medium bodied with good structure that is complex and has a rich viscous mouthfeel, high acidity with even being 9 years of age that leads right into a long crisp tropical fruit mineral finish. Have a great week and please be safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🥂🥂🥂🥂
Fantastic Chardonnay from Au Bon Climat. Lemon zest and melon flavors with hints of the same on the nose. This is a stellar Chardonnay for the money, comparable to fine Chablis from France. Perfect for a sunny spring evening!
Fantastic Chardonnay from Au Bon Climat. Lemon zest and melon flavors with hints of the same on the nose. This is a stellar Chardonnay for the money, comparable to fine Chablis from France. Perfect for a sunny spring evening!
Jun 3rd, 2019
I’m impressed. Post-malolactic pear and apple w/ popcorn in a taut package. $20 at MV.
I’m impressed. Post-malolactic pear and apple w/ popcorn in a taut package. $20 at MV.
May 9th, 2019Oaked Chardonnay that is so refined. So balanced.
Oaked Chardonnay that is so refined. So balanced.
May 4th, 2019After Jim Clendenen graduated with a pre-law degree in ’76, he was assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery for the 1978 harvest, and in 1981 he pulled a “triathlon” and handled three harvests in one year as Jim worked crush and directed the harvest at wineries in Australia and France. Small crop, early ripening with concentrated fruit, aromas of tropical fruits and toasty notes. On the palate fresh pineapple and pear with oak tones, a bit creamy, almost buttery, a bit overdone, but still a good value. Medium finish with a round mouthfeel and bits of mineral on the ending. Tasting Sample.
After Jim Clendenen graduated with a pre-law degree in ’76, he was assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery for the 1978 harvest, and in 1981 he pulled a “triathlon” and handled three harvests in one year as Jim worked crush and directed the harvest at wineries in Australia and France. Small crop, early ripening with concentrated fruit, aromas of tropical fruits and toasty notes. On the palate fresh pineapple and pear with oak tones, a bit creamy, almost buttery, a bit overdone, but still a good value. Medium finish with a round mouthfeel and bits of mineral on the ending. Tasting Sample.
Apr 15th, 2019
Wonderful complexity with a great balance between fresh pineapple and apple and buttery popcorn. Nice minerality too!
Wonderful complexity with a great balance between fresh pineapple and apple and buttery popcorn. Nice minerality too!
Sep 24th, 2018