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About the producer
Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat produces internationally-recognised Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from grapes grown in California's Santa Barbara County.
The winery is located at the foot of one of California's most highly rated vineyard: Bien Nacido in the Santa Maria Valley. This is one of the finest sites in California, ideal for the production of the refined, Burgundian style of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to which Jim so aspires.
Visit Website: https://www.aubonclimat.com/
The winery is located at the foot of one of California's most highly rated vineyard: Bien Nacido in the Santa Maria Valley. This is one of the finest sites in California, ideal for the production of the refined, Burgundian style of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to which Jim so aspires. ABC, as it is more commonly referred to, has won universal acclaim for its wines thanks to owner and winemaker Jim 'Wild Boy' Clendenen. Jim regards Burgundy as the benchmark to which he should aspire; he purchases clones of Pinot Noir from Burgundy in a bid to replicate as closely as possible the restraint and finesse of the wines from the region.
Jim eschewed a career in law for the lure of the vine following a month's stay in Burgundy and Champagne when he was 21-years-old. He has never looked back, although he is frequently to be found darkening the doors along the stretch of the Côte d'Or. His wines combine the mineral precision and grace of Burgundy with the flair of the West Coast.
Vineyard
The hillside is comprised of Dolomitic limestone, grapes are hand-picked in this cooler part of California - Santa Maria Valley.
Winery
Winemaking here goes against the grain of what is typically 'Californian'. The wines are low in alcohol, with restrained oak use aiming for a lighter, fresher style. Only French oak is used, with all white fermentations occuring in oak.