Region and Vineyards
Santa Barbara County is renowned for its cool-climate vineyards and oceanic influence, allowing Chardonnay to retain acidity while developing rich flavors. The region’s unique east-west valley orientation provides ideal conditions for slow ripening, enhancing balance and complexity.
This Chardonnay is sourced from five top vineyards: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, and Premier Coastal Vineyard. These vineyards, planted on a mix of sandy loam and marine sedimentary soils, contribute finesse, freshness, and depth to the final wine. Careful vineyard management ensures optimal fruit quality, resulting in a Chardonnay that is vibrant, textured, and expressive.
Winemaking
The hand-harvested grapes are carefully sorted and whole-cluster pressed to maintain purity and freshness. The juice is then settled, chilled, and transferred to barrels for fermentation.
Fermentation takes place in François Frères French oak barrels, with aging on lees for 8 months. The oak used is somewhat neutral, preserving the wine’s natural fruit expression while adding subtle spice notes of clove and nutmeg. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation, enhancing texture and richness, before being blended and bottled in the summer.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Pale gold with a luminous clarity.
- Aroma: Bright citrus, stone fruit, flinty minerality, and subtle oak spice with hints of clove and nutmeg.
- Palate: Crisp and refreshing, with vibrant acidity and layers of lemon zest, peach, and wet stone minerality. A structured and balanced finish that will develop beautifully over time.
Did You Know?
This 2022 vintage marks the 40th anniversary of Au Bon Climat’s Santa Barbara Chardonnay. While many California producers pursued rich, oak-driven styles in the early 2000s, Au Bon Climat remained committed to a more Burgundian approach, emphasizing balance and ageability.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Roast chicken with herbs – The wine’s acidity and subtle oak influence enhance the savory flavors.
- Pasta Alfredo – The creamy sauce is complemented by the wine’s fresh citrus and structured minerality.
- Seared scallops – A natural pairing that highlights both the wine’s brightness and its complexity.
- Baked brie en croûte – The buttery pastry and creamy cheese balance beautifully with the wine’s acidity and spice notes.
