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 single vineyard Pinot delivers 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. Match with oak grilled chops.
The 2016 is richer than previous versions showing dried cranberry/berry fruit with earth and tobacco notes. The body is medium weight yet carries immense waves of flavors, including sarsaparilla, pomegranate and smoke. A well integrated wine that is superb now. For true burgundian fans. Scored 90 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous.
Big, rich, creamy. To celebrate our 35th anniversary only the best will do! The fruit is from the best cuvees of Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat Chardonnay aged in specially crafted, Francois Freres oak barrels for an extended time. Worth every penny! only 250 cases made. Score 94 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; Score 91 points** Connoisseurs' Guide to CA Wine.
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. Score: 95 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 95 points Wine & Spirits Magazine; 95 points Jeb Dunnuck; 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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 is our first "Runway Vineyard" Chardonnay and is it a beauty! Barrel fermented in new, specially coopered French oak. Rich, creamy, and long on the palate. Serve with lemon butter scallops or sole piccata.
This special vineyard provides amazing fruit, richness and depth! Deeply colored with aromas of cherry, underbrush, spice and dried rose petal carry through to a full palate and lingering finish. Enticing. 250 cases produced. Scored 95 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 92 points Jeb Dunnuck; 92 points Prince of Pinot.
This vineyard has hit its stride producing marvelous Chardonnays year after year. On the palate, classic Chardonnay flavors of apple, citrus and vanilla go on and on. Serve with shellfish, Cornish game hen, or alfredo pasta with lobster. Scored 94 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 93 points Jeb Dunnuck; 92 points Wine Spectator.
