Au Bon Climat
Beginning with the 1978 harvest, Jim Clendenen was assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery for three vintages, a valued training experience. In 1981 his vision broadened with three harvests in one year as Jim worked crush and directed the harvest at wineries in Australia and France. Three harvests in one year confirmed his masochistic tendencies. In 1982, Clendenen decided, along with Adam Tolmach, to start a winery dedicated to Burgundian varietals. Adam left in 1990 to pursue his own efforts leaving Jim solo at the helm.
Au Bon Climat (which means “a well exposed vineyard”) sources fruit from several of the most highly regarded vineyards in the Central Coast. These include Clendenen’s own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and estate plantings at the legendary Bien Nacido Vineyard – both in Santa Maria Valley, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Barbara County), and San Luis Obispo County’s Talley Vineyard.The winery has cultivated an international reputation for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Jim Clendenen, the “Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat, is recognized worldwide for his classically styled wines.
AVAILABLE WINES
Au Bon Climat Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc
Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara County
Au Bon Climat Chardonnay “Los Alamos Vineyard”
Au Bon Climat Chardonnay “Nuits-Blanches au Bouge”
Au Bon Climat Chardonnay “Sanford & Benedict Vineyard”
Au Bon Climat “Hildegard” White Blend
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Sanford & Benedict Vineyard”
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “La Bauge Au Dessus”
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Bien Nacido Vineyard”
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Isabelle”
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
GALLERY
