2021 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Bien Nacido Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection

AVAILABLE ON DECEMBER 6, 2024 FOR THE FIRST TIME

Au Bon Climat's tagline is "An homage to the wines of Burgundy" and that sums it up nicely. This wine comes from the Historic Vineyard collection. This collection originally represented five iconic vineyards that were instrumental in increasing the recognition of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Central Coast. Today, ABC's Historic Collection includes wines from the Los Alamos, Bien Nacido, Talley and Sanford & Benedict vineyards. These established vineyards allow us to make wines of great intensity and character. As the official exclusive importer of Au Bon Climat, we naturally carry these wines.

Bien Nacido Vineyard is the benchmark and crown jewel of the Santa Maria Valley AVA. One of the oldest cool climate vineyards in California, this vineyard was founded in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller. The name “Bien Nacido” means “Well Born” in Spanish. Since its founding, the vineyard has been a renowned source of world-class grapes and is now considered one of the elite vineyards in the world.

Relationship with Au Bon Climat
Au Bon Climat has a special relationship with Bien Nacido Vineyard. The winery is located on the vineyard’s property and has dedicated blocks of grapes with long-term contracts for quality grapes from hillside vineyards, some of which date back to the early 1990s. Today, much of the fruit Au Bon Climat uses from this vineyard is planted exclusively for them. In recognition of the vineyard’s role in promoting Burgundian varietals on the Central Coast, this wine carries the “Historic Vineyards Collection” label.

The Chardonnay from Au Bon Climat
Au Bon Climat has an ongoing contract for the best block of Chardonnay from Bien Nacido, known as the "K Block". This block, planted in 1972, continues to produce excellent old vine Chardonnay. Since 1989, grapes from this block have been used annually for Au Bon Climat wines. The grapes are harvested in October when sugar levels are low, but the intensity and flavor indicate that they are ripe.

Vinification process
The grapes are hand-harvested, pressed whole to minimize tannin extraction, and fermented in 80% new French oak barrels from François Frères. After completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 20 months and bottled unfiltered.

Tasting notes

The Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard has a lively character with aromas of lemon, white flowers and almond. The palate offers a balance between toasty oak vanilla and a mineral undertone of crushed stone. Made in a traditional "Old World" style, the wine has depth and richness and will age well.

Wine and food pairings

This wine pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, such as pan-fried scallops with lemon butter, chicken vol-au-vent or a classic Caesar salad.

Historic Vineyards Collection
To pay tribute to notable vineyards that have contributed to the development of Burgundy grape varieties in our region, Au Bon Climat created the “Historic Vineyards Collection” for Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.

Background story
Au Bon Climat continues its tribute to Santa Barbara County’s remarkable vineyards with limited editions of specialty Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the “Santa Barbara County Historic Vineyards Collection.” Since its founding in 1982, Au Bon Climat has sourced grapes from some of the Central Coast’s most celebrated vineyards. Clendenen himself may have played a significant role in the reputation of these sites.

Bien Nacido Vineyard is the benchmark and crown jewel of the Santa Maria Valley AVA. One of the oldest cool climate vineyards in California, Bien Nacido Vineyard (Spanish for “Well Born”) has been known for its premium grapes since its founding in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller. It is now recognized as one of the elite vineyards in the world. Au Bon Climat has a special connection to this vineyard. In addition to our winery being located on the property, we have custom blocks of grapes under long-term contracts for quality hillside vineyards dating back to the early 1990s. Today, much of what Au Bon Climat harvests comes from vineyards planted “exclusively” to us.

FACT: In the tab 'Attachments' you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send you this when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.