Au Bon Climat
Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
Pale lemon color with stone and tropical fruit aromas and citrus floral notes adding an earthy spice from 10 months surlie aging. On the palate flavors of apple, pineapple and lemon citrus with floral and baking spice. Lively acidity, medium finish ending with fruit, citrus and earthy spice.
Pale lemon color with stone and tropical fruit aromas and citrus floral notes adding an earthy spice from 10 months surlie aging. On the palate flavors of apple, pineapple and lemon citrus with floral and baking spice. Lively acidity, medium finish ending with fruit, citrus and earthy spice.
Apr 8th, 2026
Consistency. Slivered almond and popcorn kernel. Pair with butter chicken or crab cakes.
Consistency. Slivered almond and popcorn kernel. Pair with butter chicken or crab cakes.
Oct 17th, 2025
Au Bon Climat — Chardonnay 2023
Santa Barbara County, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A classic Santa Barbara County Chardonnay from Au Bon Climat, reflecting the restrained, balanced style that made Jim Clendenen’s wines such benchmarks for the region. This is Chardonnay without unnecessary theatrics: cool-climate freshness, measured richness, and an easygoing personality that still carries plenty of character.
Aromas & Flavors
Fresh apple, pear, lemon, white peach, and citrus blossom, with subtle vanilla, mineral, and lightly toasted nuances adding complexity without dominating the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, fresh, and beautifully balanced. The acidity provides just the right amount of tension, while a subtle creamy texture rounds the palate. Clean, composed, and remarkably easy to enjoy.
Food Pairings
Grilled fish, roasted chicken, shrimp, crab cakes, creamy pasta, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Verdict
A solid representation of what Santa Barbara Chardonnay does so well. It has freshness without austerity, texture without heaviness, and enough complexity to remain interesting while being completely approachable. A terrific casual Chardonnay.
Did You Know?
Au Bon Climat was founded by Jim Clendenen in 1982 and became one of the defining producers of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County, favoring balance and restraint long before those qualities became fashionable in California.
🍷 Personal Pick
This is what I want a casual Santa Barbara Chardonnay to taste like. Affable, balanced, subtly textured, and carrying just enough tension to keep every sip fresh. Nothing overdone and nothing missing. It has officially earned a spot among my New World Chardonnay staples.
Au Bon Climat — Chardonnay 2023
Santa Barbara County, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A classic Santa Barbara County Chardonnay from Au Bon Climat, reflecting the restrained, balanced style that made Jim Clendenen’s wines such benchmarks for the region. This is Chardonnay without unnecessary theatrics: cool-climate freshness, measured richness, and an easygoing personality that still carries plenty of character.
Aromas & Flavors
Fresh apple, pear, lemon, white peach, and citrus blossom, with subtle vanilla, mineral, and lightly toasted nuances adding complexity without dominating the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, fresh, and beautifully balanced. The acidity provides just the right amount of tension, while a subtle creamy texture rounds the palate. Clean, composed, and remarkably easy to enjoy.
Food Pairings
Grilled fish, roasted chicken, shrimp, crab cakes, creamy pasta, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Verdict
A solid representation of what Santa Barbara Chardonnay does so well. It has freshness without austerity, texture without heaviness, and enough complexity to remain interesting while being completely approachable. A terrific casual Chardonnay.
Did You Know?
Au Bon Climat was founded by Jim Clendenen in 1982 and became one of the defining producers of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County, favoring balance and restraint long before those qualities became fashionable in California.
🍷 Personal Pick
This is what I want a casual Santa Barbara Chardonnay to taste like. Affable, balanced, subtly textured, and carrying just enough tension to keep every sip fresh. Nothing overdone and nothing missing. It has officially earned a spot among my New World Chardonnay staples.
Smooth, light oak up front, crisp finish
Smooth, light oak up front, crisp finish
Aug 23rd, 2025
If only this was available for a few € less it would be a perfect house chard for me. Very solid.
If only this was available for a few € less it would be a perfect house chard for me. Very solid.
Mar 18th, 2025
