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Antonio Galloni from Vinous Media loves these wines. This is what he said about the winery: 

“This is a fabulous set of wines from Au Bon Climat. I admit, it’s hard today to taste wines Jim Clendenen made prior to his passing last year. At the same time, these new releases provide a fascinating insight into his stylistic choices across several vineyards and sites. It's fascinating to taste the Au Bon Climat wines given how much Clendenen influenced many of today's leading young winemakers. Pretty much without exception, Clendenen's wines, are richer and more powerful, with greater oak influence and overall lushness. More than anything else, these wines are American treasures, legacies of one of this country's most inspired and inspiring winemakers.”

Au Bon Climat Winery is a beacon of excellence in the world of winemaking. With a commitment to crafting Burgundian-styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the heart of Santa Barbara County, they have earned a world-class reputation over the past four decades. The name "Au Bon Climat" reflects their dedication to creating wines that thrive in the ideal climate and soils of the region, echoing the French idiom for a "good place."

The visionary mind behind Au Bon Climat was Jim Clendenen, who laid the foundation for this exceptional winery in 1982, drawing inspiration from explorations in Burgundy. His unwavering dedication to traditional winemaking principles remains unchanged, resulting in wines that showcase balance, nuance, and authenticity.

Au Bon Climat's winemaking philosophy combines Old World techniques with the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County. Barrel fermentation, whole cluster pressing, lees aging, and extensive time in François Frères barrels are standard practices. Hand-picked grapes, harvested at the perfect sugar level, allow these wines to age gracefully.

Jim Clendenen's vision has been carried forward by a dedicated winery team that shares his manifesto. His daughter Isabelle and son Knox Alexander have carried Jim's legacy. Isabelle brings her unique perspective to the winery. With a background in Japanese studies and extensive experience in wine production, she is deeply involved in the winery's future. Knox has developed a keen interest in all things wine-related. With a focus on wine production, he travels internationally to represent the brand and continues his father's legacy of crafting balanced, complex, and restrained wines.

Aging: 20 months in one-third of new barrels

100% Chardonnay. The 2021 Au Bon Climat Los Alamos Historic Vineyard Chardonnay is a refined expression of California winemaking, with bright citrus, green apple, and subtle floral notes on the nose. On the palate, it offers a balanced interplay of vibrant acidity and rich, textured fruit, evolving into flavors of lemon curd, baked apple, and a hint of hazelnut. The wine finishes with a crisp, stony minerality and a long, elegant finish, reflecting the legacy of Jim Clendenen and the exceptional quality of the Los Alamos Vineyard. If you love toasty oak on your Chardonnay, buy this!

~91 CellarTracker

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