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.
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is one of the great vineyards of the world. Au Bon Climat has been making Chardonnay from this vineyard since the 1980 vintage. Differentiating it from our annual Sanford & Benedict bottling, we used specially handcrafted Francois Freres barrels, and gave it extended barrel age to create this remarkable wine. 135 cases produced. Score 96 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous.
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. Scored 93 points Antoniuo Galloni's Vinous.
This is our first vineyard designated "Runway Vineyard" Chardonnay and is it a beauty!. Barrel fermented in new, specially coopered French oak. Rich and long on the palate.
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.
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.
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. Score 92 points Robert Parker.
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.
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.
Silky and perfumed, this well structured wine offers griotte cherry and cranberry fruit with sage and mint notes, all fused together in this super-expressive Pinot. Named after Jim Clendenen's son. Scored 93 points Wine Enthusiast; 93 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 92 points Wine Spectator; 91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 90 points Connoisseur's Guide to CA Wine.
Part of our elite "Blue Series", Isabelle is comprised of only the best cuvees each vintage. Consequently, it is consistently our top performing Pinot Noir year to year. Dark, rich, and layered, this regal wine is remarkable now, but will be even more integrated and complex in time. Earned 94 points Antonio Galloni's Vinous; 94 points Wine Enthusiast; 95 points Jeb Dunnuck; 91 points Connoisseurs Guide to CA Wine; 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
