2021 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Bien Nacido Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13.5%) |
| Drink window | 2024 - 2034 |
In stock
50 items available
Description
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.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Santa Barbara County |
| Winery | Au Bon Climat |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2024 |
| Drinking till | 2034 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 93 |
| Vinous rating | 94 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rijk, Rond, Vol, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 92+
Reviewed by:
Erin Brooks
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2025 - 2035
The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection is very savory with aromas of mushrooms, autumn leaves, almonds and matchstick. The medium-bodied palate is silky and vibrant with delicately styled flavors focused more on saline and rocky tones at this youthful stage. It's more coiled than the other Chardonnays from this vintage and will require additional bottle time.
Published: Dec 29, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Wine Spectator
No written review available.
Vinous
94
Drinking Window
2023 - 2029
From: Brilliance in Santa Barbara (Sep, 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection is super-expressive right out of the gate. Orchard fruit, spice, white flowers and a touch of vanillin all race out of the glass. The 100% new oak is very nicely integrated. Suave, silky contours wrap it all together in style.
- By Antonio Galloni on July 2023
Au Bon Climat remains a reference point for Santa Barbara, perhaps THE reference point given the global reach these wines now enjoy. I have not seen too many changes here since Jim Clendenen passed away in early 2021, although most of these wines were made while he was still alive. The signatures are a fair amount of new oak for the Chardonnays, but often with a prominent use of large and thick-staved 350L barrels, and heavy use of whole clusters for the Pinots. The top selections often see extended time in wood. Of course, it all starts with sourcing at some of the very finest vineyards in Santa Barbara. Jim Clendenen influenced pretty much all of today’s younger generation, and that influence remains. Readers will find a number of compelling wines in this year’s crop of new releases.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
The brain behind the Au Bon Climat winery is Jim Clendenen. He was born in Akron, Ohio and graduated in law from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1976. During his studies he had his "junior year abroad" in 1974 in France where he discovered that life was more than just tacos.
After graduation, he spent both a month in Burgundy and Champagne, which convinced him to pursue a career in wine rather than pursuing a law degree. During the 1978 harvest, Jim Clendenen was an assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery. He stayed there for 3 years and gained a great wealth of experience. In 1982 Clendenen, together with Adam Tolmach, decided to establish a winery with only Burgundian varieties of rented plots. In 1990 Adam left again and Jim took the helm solo. Through careful reinvestment from its own production, Au Bon Climat (meaning "a well-exposed vineyard") has grown to over 50,000 crates per year.
Au Bon Climat collects grapes from several vineyards on the California Central Coast, particularly Santa Barbara County, all of which are highly regarded. These include Clendenen's very own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and also grapes from the legendary Bien Nacido vineyard - both in Santa Maria Valley. Also grapes from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Barbara County) and Talley Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County.
The winery has built an international reputation with its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Jim Clendenen, as they call it the "Mind Behind" Au Bon Climat, is recognized worldwide for its classically styled wines. In 1989 and 1990, Au Bon Climat was on Robert Parker's shortlist of Best Wineries in the World and in 1991 was selected by Oz Clark as one of the 50 global creators of Modern Classic Wines. Dan Berger of the Los Angeles Times named Clendenen "Los Angeles Time Winemaker of the Year" in 1992; Food & Wine Magazine named him "Winemaker of the Year" in 2001. Germany's leading wine magazine Wein Gourmet named Clendenen "Winemaker of the World;" and in 2007 Jim was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America." There are many accolades, but Jim does not rest on his laurels. He is constantly looking to refine his profession and therefore leads the pack.
Au Bon Climat wines order online at Grand Cru wines
You can of course buy Au Bon Climat wines online at Grandcruwijnen.nl, the wine trade with one of the largest wine collections in the Netherlands and Belgium, where you can order both special wines and wines for every budget. Quality products, fast delivery & reliable service that is Grand Crus!
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.
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Santa Barbara County |
| Winery | Au Bon Climat |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2024 |
| Drinking till | 2034 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 93 |
| Vinous rating | 94 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rijk, Rond, Vol, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 92+
Reviewed by:
Erin Brooks
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2025 - 2035
The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection is very savory with aromas of mushrooms, autumn leaves, almonds and matchstick. The medium-bodied palate is silky and vibrant with delicately styled flavors focused more on saline and rocky tones at this youthful stage. It's more coiled than the other Chardonnays from this vintage and will require additional bottle time.
Published: Dec 29, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Wine Spectator
No written review available.
Vinous
94
Drinking Window
2023 - 2029
From: Brilliance in Santa Barbara (Sep, 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection is super-expressive right out of the gate. Orchard fruit, spice, white flowers and a touch of vanillin all race out of the glass. The 100% new oak is very nicely integrated. Suave, silky contours wrap it all together in style.
- By Antonio Galloni on July 2023
Au Bon Climat remains a reference point for Santa Barbara, perhaps THE reference point given the global reach these wines now enjoy. I have not seen too many changes here since Jim Clendenen passed away in early 2021, although most of these wines were made while he was still alive. The signatures are a fair amount of new oak for the Chardonnays, but often with a prominent use of large and thick-staved 350L barrels, and heavy use of whole clusters for the Pinots. The top selections often see extended time in wood. Of course, it all starts with sourcing at some of the very finest vineyards in Santa Barbara. Jim Clendenen influenced pretty much all of today’s younger generation, and that influence remains. Readers will find a number of compelling wines in this year’s crop of new releases.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
The brain behind the Au Bon Climat winery is Jim Clendenen. He was born in Akron, Ohio and graduated in law from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1976. During his studies he had his "junior year abroad" in 1974 in France where he discovered that life was more than just tacos.
After graduation, he spent both a month in Burgundy and Champagne, which convinced him to pursue a career in wine rather than pursuing a law degree. During the 1978 harvest, Jim Clendenen was an assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery. He stayed there for 3 years and gained a great wealth of experience. In 1982 Clendenen, together with Adam Tolmach, decided to establish a winery with only Burgundian varieties of rented plots. In 1990 Adam left again and Jim took the helm solo. Through careful reinvestment from its own production, Au Bon Climat (meaning "a well-exposed vineyard") has grown to over 50,000 crates per year.
Au Bon Climat collects grapes from several vineyards on the California Central Coast, particularly Santa Barbara County, all of which are highly regarded. These include Clendenen's very own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and also grapes from the legendary Bien Nacido vineyard - both in Santa Maria Valley. Also grapes from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Barbara County) and Talley Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County.
The winery has built an international reputation with its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Jim Clendenen, as they call it the "Mind Behind" Au Bon Climat, is recognized worldwide for its classically styled wines. In 1989 and 1990, Au Bon Climat was on Robert Parker's shortlist of Best Wineries in the World and in 1991 was selected by Oz Clark as one of the 50 global creators of Modern Classic Wines. Dan Berger of the Los Angeles Times named Clendenen "Los Angeles Time Winemaker of the Year" in 1992; Food & Wine Magazine named him "Winemaker of the Year" in 2001. Germany's leading wine magazine Wein Gourmet named Clendenen "Winemaker of the World;" and in 2007 Jim was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America." There are many accolades, but Jim does not rest on his laurels. He is constantly looking to refine his profession and therefore leads the pack.
Au Bon Climat wines order online at Grand Cru wines
You can of course buy Au Bon Climat wines online at Grandcruwijnen.nl, the wine trade with one of the largest wine collections in the Netherlands and Belgium, where you can order both special wines and wines for every budget. Quality products, fast delivery & reliable service that is Grand Crus!