California – Santa Barbara County

Overview

Au Bon Climat winery was totally devoted to making classic, Burgundian-styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. The convergence of cool, brisk Pacific air, marine-based soils, and east-west running valleys of the area provided an ideal place for growing exceptional grapes. Hence the name “Au Bon Climat,” the French idiom for “good place”.

Forty years later, the wines have earned a world-class reputation internationally. Jim Clendenen, “The Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat, set the objective and stayed true to its course. As the fads in California winemaking have come and gone, Au Bon Climat has maintained a laser focus in producing traditional, site-specific, nuanced, iconic wines.

Tasting Notes

Always the top in its class and a great value, our Santa Barbara County Chardonnay excels year after year because quality comes first in all we do. Au Bon Climat has been creating Burgundian-styled Chardonnays of balance, character, and longevity since 1982. Our winemaking protocol has changed little in 39 years; we are still making handcrafted wines in small lots using the same basic, time proven techniques. The result is a well-structured, balanced Chardonnay of finesse that is worth twice the price. It’s immediately enjoyable and will improve for at least another decade.