2021 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard

Au Bon Climat's slogan is "An homage to the wines of Burgundy" and that sums it up nicely. The Chardonnay from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard are among Au Bon Climat's top models

This is a Chardonnay with an intelligent and perfectly dosed wood aging. The winemaker Jim Clendenen is a wonderful and very sensitive winemaker who is especially world famous for his work on terroir identification in California, for the planting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The man did groundbreaking historical research on Burgundy from the 'pre-Chardonnay' era, when white Burgundies were made from Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté. His wines are an ode to minerals, have an exceptional depth and are of an absolute world class.

The first “big” vineyard in Santa Barbara County was planted in 1971 by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict in the cool Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The Burgundian varietals had found a home in Santa Barbara County. Jim Clendenen noticed the “magic” of Sanford & Benedict early on. He purchased a few tons of grapes in the mid 80’s and Au Bon Climat has received grapes from this vineyard every year since then; a relationship that has spanned more than 4 decades. Only Sanford Winery has that kind of “history” with this vineyard. The iconic, sustainably farmed vineyard was instrumental in raising awareness that Santa Barbara County produces world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As a result, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard earned a spot in Au Bon Climat’s Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection series.

The Chardonnay was harvested by hand, whole bunch pressed and barreled. We fermented in 75% new François Frères French oak barrels, as they do with the "reserve quality" wines. The wine completed alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in the barrel and remained sur lie until the following August. After racking and a light clarification, the wine was returned to the barrel. Total barrel age was 20 months.

In the glass, the Historic Vineyard Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard has a beautiful light sparkling straw yellow color. Aromas of citrus, brioche, cinnamon come on the nose and follow on the palate with some oaky notes of walnut and maple. The minerality of rock that the vineyard is known for is found throughout the wine. It has bright acidity and a clean, lively, pure style that gains richness and depth with a year or two of bottle aging and can be kept for a decade or more. This wine gets high ratings every year and supply is unfortunately extremely limited.

Delicious with oysters, salmon in beurre blanc, chicken fillet with a creamy tarragon sauce or a Gruyère cheese, ham and onion tart.

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.