2023 Au Bon Climat - Chardonnay Santa Barbara (750ml)
2023 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay — Santa Barbara (750ml)
Au Bon Climat continues to stand at the forefront of Santa Barbara’s Burgundian-inspired Chardonnay. The 2023 vintage draws from five esteemed vineyards — Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, and Premier Coastal — and is crafted with whole-cluster pressing and eight months of sur lie aging in neutral French oak. This approach preserves bright energy while inviting subtle layers of complexity that unfold with time in the glass.
Vineyards and winemaking
The blend showcases Santa Barbara County’s diverse terroir, yielding a Chardonnay that is vibrant yet refined. Whole-cluster pressing captures clean fruit expression, while sur lie aging in neutral oak adds texture and a delicate, integrated saline backbone without dominating the wine’s fresh character.
Tasting notes
- Nose: mineral-driven, stony aromas with a quiet background of clove and nutmeg from barrel influence.
- Palate: citrus and stone fruit flavors ride a crisp, focused acidity, delivering balance and momentum across the mid palate.
- Finish: a precise lemon-lime zest lift that lingers with elegance rather than weight.
What makes it stand out
This Au Bon Climat Chardonnay embodies a rare balance between fresh, fruit-forward energy and refined, Burgundian finesse. It’s crafted to complement food rather than overshadow it, with a texture and structure that invite continued exploration in the bottle.
Food pairings and serving suggestions
- Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, pan-seared fish (especially with butter or citrus sauces), and seafood risottos.
- Great with creamy poultry dishes, light pasta with white-wine sauces, and dishes featuring mushrooms or citrus zest.
- Serve at a cooler cellar temperature (roughly 50–55°F / 10–13°C) to highlight its crisp acidity and mineral backbone; consider a brief decant if enjoyed young to open up the citrus notes.
Aging potential and drinking window
While the 2023 release is enticing now with its bright fruit and adrenaline to acidity, it has the poise to evolve. The wine progresses from a fresh, vibrant profile toward greater depth and nuance, with an expected drinking window through 2030.