Au Bon Climat
Distinctive wines of vision and harmony. An homage to Burgundy, Au Bon Climat features many renditions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc, with balance and character critical elements in every wine. These wines age beautifully because of their balance and restraint. For older vintages or large format bottles, see menu.
This vineyard delivers Pinots with depth. The 2017 is a rich, meaty red with a dense fruit character showing earthy, berry aromas joined by mouth-filling flavors of plum and bitter chocolate on the palate. Aged 18 months in french oak barrels, one third new. Scored 91 points & "Best Buy" from Wine & Spirits Mag.
This is a rich, deep Pinot of substance. Cola and boysenberry aromas are evident and joined by mouth-filling flavors of plum and bitter chocolate on the palate.
Very fruit forward and unctous, this Chardonnay is rich and complex with a tropical coconut, pineapple character. It shows abundant fruit, oak, and viscosity along with a nice mineral component. Beautiful. Enjoyable now or be rewarded with further aging.
Positively stellar. Rich, textured and yet also striking for its detail. Lemon confit, pineapple, mint and new oak all resonate in this super-classic Santa Maria Chardonnay. This is a relatively rich style, with tropical tones and a good deal of barrel character from the two years the wine spent in 100% new oak, and yet the wine retains terrific energy. Score: 95 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 95 points Jeb Dunnuck; 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Lush and attention grabbing. Powerful, with concentrated quince, pear tart and apple pastry flavors that are supported by fresh acidity. The richly spiced and cream-filled finish lingers with hints of dried green herbs. Two years in 100% new oak gives the wine many of its signatures, including a level of textural unctuousness that works beautifully here. Score 95 points Wine Enthusiast; Score 93 points Wine Spectator; Score 92 points Robert Parker; Score 92 points from Antonio Galloni Vinous; Score 90 points Connoisseur's Guide to CA Wine.
A refreshing, dry, blended white with citrus lemon/lime notes, flinty minerality, and crisp finish. It is richer than most light whites, yet so easy drinking! Great summer sippin' or match with shellfish, roast chicken, turkey or duck.
Great value! This barrel fermented, full bodied Chardonnay has mouth filling citrus fruit and a palate cleansing, bright finish. It will become richer and more complex with age.
Great value! Miles above other Pinots in the same price category, this wine is a particularly wonderful vintage. It is deeply colored with aromas and flavors of strawberries and raspberries joined by anise and clove in mouth filling intensity.
This white blend is always fascinating, and this vintage's 50% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc and 10% Aligoté combination offers warm rich aromas of hazelnut and crème brûlée that are cut by crushed chalk and lemon rind. It lands on the palate with a baked pastry warmth but then proves quite textural and taut with lime spray and herb flavors. Scored 94 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.; 91 points Jeb Dunnuck. BEST OF CLASS - Six Nation Wine Challenge.
This white blend is always fascinating, and this vintage's 50% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc and 10% Aligoté combination offers warm rich aromas of hazelnut and crème brûlée that are cut by crushed chalk and lemon rind. It lands on the palate with a baked pastry warmth but then proves quite textural and taut with lime spray and herb flavors. Scored 94 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.; 91 points Jeb Dunnuck. BEST OF CLASS - Six Nation Wine Challenge.
