2022 Au Bon Climat Hildegard

Au Bon Climat and the origins of Hildegard

Au Bon Climat is one of Santa Barbara County's most influential wineries, known for its consistent style and long aging. Founder Jim Clendenen drew strong inspiration from Burgundy but adapted his ideas to the cooler coastal climate of California. Hildegard holds a special place within the range. First produced in 1998, this wine is named after Hildegard, the wife of Charlemagne.

During Charlemagne's reign, viticulture played a significant role, and grape varieties like Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Aligoté were common in what would later become Corton-Charlemagne. This historical fact formed the foundation for Hildegard. Since its first vintage, this wine has been a fixture in the Blue Series and one of the house's most recognizable white wines.

Location and climate of Santa Maria Valley

The grapes for the 2022 Hildegard vintage come from Santa Maria Valley, one of the coolest subregions within Santa Barbara County. The valley faces the Pacific Ocean, allowing cool sea air and fog to penetrate deep into the area. This ensures moderate temperatures and a long growing season.

For white grapes, this means retention of acidity, aromatic freshness, and slow ripening. The combination of cool nights and sunny days produces grapes with concentration and tension. This climate is a key reason why Au Bon Climat has been successfully operating here for decades.

The Blue Series and Hildegard's position

Hildegard is part of the Blue Series, Au Bon Climat's top-tier winery. This series features wines that receive more time, attention, and aging than regular bottlings. While many California white wines revolve around a single grape variety, Hildegard consciously chooses a blend of three complementary varietals.

The goal isn't to copy a classic Burgundy, but to create a wine that offers the same layering and structure, with its own distinct identity. Hildegard is often described as reminiscent of a top Chardonnay, but with added tension and aromatic complexity thanks to the grape varieties used.

Vineyard Bien Nacido and grape composition

The grapes for the 2022 Au Bon Climat Hildegard come from the Bien Nacido Vineyard, one of Santa Barbara County's most renowned vineyards. The soil and location of this vineyard are ideal for aromatic, structured white grapes.

The wine is composed of 50% Pinot Gris, 45% Pinot Blanc, and 5% Aligoté. Pinot Gris provides body and ripe fruit, Pinot Blanc brings freshness and refinement, while Aligoté adds tension and a mineral undertone. Together, they create a balanced and expressive blend.

Harvest and vinification of the 2022 vintage

The 2022 harvest began under favorable conditions but was accelerated later in the season by higher temperatures. Despite lower yields, the fruit quality remained high. Pinot Gris was harvested on August 16, 2022, followed by Pinot Blanc on September 6, 2022.

All grapes were harvested by hand and processed separately. The bunches were pressed whole, after which both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place in barrel. This approach contributes to texture and complexity. By treating the varietals separately, their character remains clearly discernible until the moment of blending.

Maturation in new French oak and sur lie maturation

After fermentation, the 2022 Hildegard matured for sixteen months in 100% new French oak barrels from François Frères. This aging gives the wine depth, spice, and structure. During this period, the wine remained in prolonged contact with the fine lees, which added extra creaminess and a layered texture.

The combination of new oak and sur lie aging requires precision, but produces a well-balanced wine. The alcohol is 13.5%, with a refreshing acidity of 6.5 g/l and a pH of 3.36.

Color, smell and taste of 2022 Hildegard

In the glass, the wine has a bright golden yellow color. The nose is complex and refined, with aromas of jasmine and cherry blossom, followed by notes of lemon cream, vanilla, and toasted nuts. With aeration, notes of lemon and kumquat also emerge.

The palate is full and creamy, with layers of buttery pastry, macadamia nut, and ripe citrus fruit. Despite its richness, the wine remains vibrant thanks to its crisp acidity and mineral core. The finish is long, with a combination of freshness, spice, and subtle oak notes.

Style, balance and ageing potential

The 2022 Au Bon Climat Hildegard is a distinctive white wine with power and finesse. It combines a full structure with freshness and tension, making it both appealing now and suitable for further aging. In the coming years, the wine will gain complexity and demonstrate greater harmony between fruit, oak, and acidity.

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 Hildegard

Pan-fried turbot with butter sauce and lemon complements the creamy texture and fresh acidity of the wine.

Oven-baked chicken with cream, mushrooms and thyme goes well with the full structure and spicy wood tones.

Mushroom and Parmesan risotto enhances the creaminess and brings out the mineral tension of the wine.

Grilled lobster with beurre blanc combines beautifully with the concentration and long finish of the wine.

Pasta with ricotta, lemon zest and roasted nuts complements the fresh citrus fruit and nutty aromas.

Veal sweetbreads with cauliflower cream and light gravy works well with the balance between richness and freshness.