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

Au Bon Climat's slogan, "An homage to the wines of Burgundy," sums it up perfectly. This wine comes from the Historic Vineyard collection. This collection originally represented five iconic vineyards that were essential 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 for 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. This vineyard, one of the oldest cool-climate vineyards in California, 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 world's elite vineyards.

Relationship with Au Bon Climat
Au Bon Climat has a special relationship with Bien Nacido Vineyard. The winery, located on the vineyard's grounds, 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 sources 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 bears the "Historic Vineyards Collection" label.

The Chardonnay from Au Bon Climat
Au Bon Climat holds an ongoing contract for the finest block of Chardonnay from Bien Nacido, known as "Block K." This block, planted in 1972, continues to produce superb 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 their intensity and flavor indicate they are ripe.

Vinification process
The grapes are harvested by hand, pressed whole to minimize tannin extraction, and fermented in 80% new French oak barrels from François Frères. After 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 beautifully.

Wine and food pairings

This wine pairs beautifully 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 honor the remarkable vineyards that have contributed to the development of Burgundian 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 the remarkable vineyards of Santa Barbara County 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 most celebrated vineyards on the Central Coast. Clendenen himself may have made a significant contribution to the reputation of these locations.

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 world's elite vineyards. Au Bon Climat has a special connection to this vineyard. In addition to our winery being located on the property, we have custom-designed blocks of grapes with 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" for us.

FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount . You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.