Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge

Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Au Bon Climat started making “Nuits-Blanches” in 1996. Jim Clendenen decided to “show off” the exceptional grape quality at Bien Nacido Vineyard, so this site is picked later, sorted more, and kept in barrel longer than the other Chardonnays he produces.
  • The Nuits-Blanches style is richer and oakier than other Au Bon Climat Chardonnays.
  • “Nuits-Blanches” was traditionally from Bien Nacido Vineyard “K” Block. But then another vineyard started competing for attention. Across the Sisquoc River from Bien Nacido Vineyard is the Le Bon Climat Vineyard. This vineyard was planted in 1997 and by 2000 the exceptional Chardonnay from this vineyard was blended into Nuits-Blanches. Most years Au Bon Climat blends in 10% to 15% Le Bon Climat fruit.
  • Each vintage of Nuits-Blanches receives a title. This wine is Japanese kanji for the word “muni” meaning “second to none.”

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay

Elaboration: Aged for 18 months in new François Frères barrels, and bottled with no filtering.

Tasting Notes: Lovely aromas of apricot, lavender and caramel ebb into bright flavors of lemon/lime, and a fresh, lengthy finish has nuances of vanilla, clove and honeydew melon. The richness and texture are increasing in the bottle.

PRESS

2015 – 93 Wine Spectator

2016 – 92 Wine Enthusiast | 95 Vinous

2017 – 93+ Wine Advocate | 96 Vinous

2018 – 95 Vinous

2019 – 94 Jeb Dunnuck

2020 – 95 Jeb Dunnuck

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

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.

Print review Shelf Talker (2019 – 94 Jeb Dunnuck)