2023 Au Bon Climat Wild Boy Chardonnay

the Au Bon Climat winery and the spirit of Jim Clendenen

Au Bon Climat was founded in 1982 by legendary winemaker Jim Clendenen, also known as "The Mind Behind." He was known for his classic approach to winemaking, emphasizing balance, elegance, and terroir. He earned the nickname "Wild Boy" for his idiosyncratic style and ability to create serious wines with a playful touch. This wine, the Wild Boy Chardonnay, was originally developed for the British market at the request of Berry Bros. & Rudd. The British importer wanted a wine that matched their preference for refined, balanced Chardonnays, and Jim fulfilled that desire with his characteristic energy.

Today, Au Bon Climat is still recognized as one of California's iconic producers. The house combines the influence of the cool coastal climate with a European winemaking style that emphasizes structure, acidity, and refinement. The Wild Boy is a striking example: accessible yet with enough depth to captivate connoisseurs.

origin and climate

The grapes for this wine come from Santa Barbara County, specifically the Santa Maria Valley and Los Alamos Valley. Both areas are only about ten miles from the Pacific Ocean and benefit greatly from the cool ocean breezes that temper the heat. This allows the grapes to ripen slowly and retain their natural acidity. The climate produces grapes that are both ripe and vibrant, with pure fruit expression and a fresh tension. The combination of maritime influence and chalky soils gives the wine its characteristic minerality.

the wine: grapes, vinification and maturation

The 2023 edition of Wild Boy Chardonnay is made entirely of Chardonnay from various vineyards in Santa Maria and Los Alamos. Harvest took place in September 2023, with multiple pickings to combine optimal ripeness and freshness. The grapes were hand-harvested, carefully sorted in the vineyard, and then whole-pressed. The juice was quickly chilled and transferred to François Frères French oak barrels, primarily neutral in character.

Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place there. The wine was then aged on lie for ten months, which adds depth and creaminess. This oak aging imparts subtle notes of clove, nutmeg, and vanilla, without the oak overpowering the fresh structure. With an alcohol content of 13.5% and a pH of 3.44, this wine maintains an excellent balance between richness and vibrancy.

color, aroma and taste of the 2023 Wild Boy Chardonnay

In the glass, the wine displays a pale yellow color with a shimmering, almost silvery reflection. The nose is inviting and expressive, with aromas of apricot, lemon meringue, and kiwi. As the wine opens, soft layers of vanilla cream, spicy oak, and a hint of nutmeg emerge.

On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied, with lively acidity and a chalky minerality reminiscent of European Chardonnays. The texture is supple, with a subtly creamy mid-palate that flows into a fresh finish full of lemon, lime, and a touch of spice. The overall effect is energetic and structured, yet remains accessible and refined.

style and character

The Wild Boy 2023 is a wine with personality: playful in appearance, yet serious in quality. It's a Chardonnay that breaks away from the stereotypical full-bodied, buttery Californian profile and focuses more on balance, tension, and elegance. After a year of bottle aging, it develops additional depth and complexity, but it's already deliciously drinkable. Jim Clendenen once called it "a wine with attitude, but with manners"—and that sums it up perfectly.

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 you this information 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, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

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wine and food pairings

• Miso-glazed salmon with toasted sesame and spring onion – the creamy texture and crisp acidity of the wine balance the umami and fat of the salmon.
• Mushroom risotto with Parmesan and thyme – the earthy notes of the mushrooms complement the subtle spiciness of the wood.
• Lemon risotto with prawns – the citrus character of the wine enhances the freshness and refines the saltiness of the prawns.
• Grilled chicken with tarragon and cream sauce – the wine cuts through the creaminess and allows the spicy tarragon to shine.
• Focaccia with rosemary and garlic – simple but perfect, the wine accentuates the fragrant bread and brings everything into balance.
• Goat cheese with honey and roasted walnuts – the creamy, slightly sweet flavors complement the fresh citrus and spicy notes of the wine beautifully.