Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict

Au Bon Climat Chardonnay “Sanford & Benedict Vineyard”

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • The first “great“ vineyard in Santa Barbara County was planted by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict in 1971, first with Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, then later with Pinot Noir vines from Karl Wente. The Burgundian varieties had found a home in Santa Barbara County.
  • With a mantle of hard, siliceous chert-gravel covering deep, well-drained soils, it is a perfect medium for Pinot and Chardonnay.
  • Sanford & Benedict is primarily planted with Pinot Noir (68 acres) and Chardonnay (52 acres).
  • As the “new” winemaking crowd discovered and consequently worshiped this vineyard, demand for Sanford and Benedict grapes has skyrocketed.
  • Au Bon Climat still buys some Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the original plantings of this vineyard as they have for the last 31 years.

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay

Elaboration: Harvested, whole cluster pressed and put into barrel. Fermentation occurs in 50% in new French oak barrels, as do with their “reserve quality” wines. Alcoholic and malo-lactic fermentation took place in the barrel and the wine remained surlies until the following August. After racking and a light fining we put the wine back to barrel for another 5 months. Barrel aged for 18 months.

Tasting Notes: Subtle pear and apple realm with accents of lavender and anise from the time in barrel. The citrusy notes of lemon and orange will evolve into more of a mineral and saline quality. Over time, additional flavors and aromas will emerge as the wine expands.

PRESS

2021 – 95+ Wine Advocate

2020 – 94 Jeb Dunnuck | 93 Wine & Spirits

2019 – 92 Jeb Dunnuck

2018 – 92 Jeb Dunnuck | 94 Vinous

2017 – 93 Vinous | 93 Jeb Dunnuck

2016 – 92 Wine Enthusiast | 95 Vinous

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 rated Shelf Talker (2017 – 93 Vinous)