2022 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Historic Vineyards Collection

Au Bon Climat and the development of Chardonnay on the California coast

Au Bon Climat was founded in Santa Barbara County in the early 1980s and played a key role in the region's international recognition. Founder Jim Clendenen strongly believed in the potential of cooler coastal regions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In a period when ripe, fast-growing styles were the norm, he opted for an approach focused on balance, structure, and aging.

After Jim Clendenen's passing in 2021, the winery will continue as a family business, with Isabella and Knox Clendenen increasingly involved in its day-to-day operations. The winery has been under the leadership of Jim Adelman for over three decades, ensuring continuity in style and working methods. This steady hand is clearly evident in the recent vintages.

Sanford & Benedict Vineyard as a historical reference point

Sanford & Benedict Vineyard was planted in 1971 by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict and is considered Santa Barbara County's first major vineyard. Situated in the cool Santa Rita Hills region, this vineyard was instrumental in establishing that Burgundian grape varieties thrive here.

Jim Clendenen has been working with grapes from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard since the mid-1980s. This partnership has lasted over forty years and is virtually unique. Only Sanford Winery itself shares a similar history with this location. The vineyard is sustainably managed and is a key feature of Au Bon Climat's Historic Vineyards Collection.

Location and climate of Santa Ynez Valley

Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard benefits from a distinctly cool climate. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean creates misty mornings and moderate temperatures throughout the growing season. This slows ripening and enhances aromatic complexity.

The soil consists of a hard layer of siliceous chert and gravel over deeper, well-draining subsoils. This combination forces the vines to root deeply, producing grapes with concentration, freshness, and a distinct mineral structure.

Historic Vineyards Collection within Au Bon Climat

The Historic Vineyards Collection was established to honor vineyards that played a key role in the development of quality wine on the Central Coast. Wines in this collection receive special attention in the vineyard and are aged for aging purposes, focusing on their aging potential.

This Chardonnay from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard demonstrates how provenance, tradition, and a consistent style converge. The focus isn't on quick accessibility, but on a wine that can develop over time.

Grape variety and harvest of the 2022 vintage

The 2022 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Historic Vineyards Collection is made from 100% Chardonnay. The grapes were hand-harvested on October 1, 2022, after a long and even growing season.

At harvest time, sugar levels, acidity, and phenolic ripeness were in balance. This forms the basis for the ripening capacity for which Au Bon Climat is known.

Vinification with barrel fermentation and long maturation

After harvest, the grapes were pressed whole. The juice was immediately transferred to new French oak barrels from François Frères. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place entirely in the barrel.

The wine then continued to age on the lees until August of the following year. After racking and a light clarification, the wine was returned to barrel. The total aging lasted eighteen months, entirely in new French oak. This approach provides structure, depth, and distinct layering.

Maturation, balance and style of this Chardonnay

The use of 100% new oak is characteristic of Au Bon Climat's reserve quality. The wood adds spicy and creamy notes, while the long lees provide texture and length. The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%, an acidity of 5.8 g/l, and a pH of 3.36.

These values provide a balance between richness and freshness, making the wine appear both powerful and refined.

Color, aroma and taste of 2022 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard

In the glass, the wine displays a bright golden yellow color. The aroma opens with notes of grapefruit and lemon curd, followed by spicy notes of cinnamon, sage, and toasted nuts. With a little aeration, notes of white chocolate and macadamia emerge.

The palate is full and rounded, with a creamy attack and a distinctly mineral core. Flavors of crème brûlée, butterscotch, and lightly salted caramel add depth and length. The finish is long and layered, with a combination of richness and tension.

Style, development and storage potential

This Chardonnay is bold and rich, yet remains balanced by its fresh acidity and mineral structure. The wine is already appealing, but clearly has the potential to develop further in bottle.

In the coming years, fruit, oak, and structure will further meld, creating additional complexity and refinement. This makes the wine appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate Chardonnay with depth and aging potential.

Would you like to order Au Bon Climat wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send this to you when you order this wine. 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 the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

Wine and food pairings with 2022 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard

Grilled turbot with beurre noisette complements the creamy texture and fresh acidity of the wine.

Halibut with brown butter and capers enhances the mineral and slightly salty character.

Ricotta ravioli with sage and Parmesan complements the full structure and spicy wood tones.

Grilled artichokes with pine nuts and a creamy sauce complement the nutty aromas.

Stuffed quail with mushrooms and light gravy combines beautifully with the richness and long aftertaste.

Baked scallops with cauliflower cream and a subtle butter sauce work well with the balance between freshness and roundness.