Au Bon Climat

Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

9.039 ratings
9.010 pro ratings
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Hayden B. Oothout

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
Jae Cho

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, 2019
Sipping Fine Wine

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.

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
Joakim Andersson

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
Meg Herring

Tasted blind. It was clearly a Calif chardo but I have to say it was quite balanced and the oak was integrated.

Tasted blind. It was clearly a Calif chardo but I have to say it was quite balanced and the oak was integrated.

Jul 10th, 2018
WineMascot

A touch more pear fruit than I typically like but the balance was there and it was bright and nice acis

A touch more pear fruit than I typically like but the balance was there and it was bright and nice acis

May 8th, 2018
Joe Gillies

Amazing value! Delicious! Highly recommend! A steal at $17.

Amazing value! Delicious! Highly recommend! A steal at $17.

May 5th, 2021
Per Christensson

The smoothest and best tasting Chardonnay I’ve had

The smoothest and best tasting Chardonnay I’ve had

Oct 27th, 2019
Jen & Will

yum chard. light crisp. easy drinking.

yum chard. light crisp. easy drinking.

Jul 10th, 2019
Bob Yoon

Love everything they make.

Love everything they make.

Oct 21st, 2018