2024 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara County

FIRST OFFER - EXPECTED AROUND JANUARY 15, 2026

Au Bon Climat and the vision of Jim Clendenen

Au Bon Climat was founded in the early 1980s by Jim Clendenen and became a benchmark for Burgundy-inspired wines in California. Their slogan, "An homage to the wines of Burgundy," sums it up perfectly. From the very first vintage, the focus was on balance, freshness, and aging potential, even during periods when mature and oak-aged styles were popular. The winery is known for its consistent style and long tradition of producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a distinctly food-friendly character. More detailed information about the winery and its history can be found under the "Winery" tab.

Santa Barbara County as a source for refined Chardonnay

Santa Barbara County is among California's most suitable regions for elegant white wines. The east-west-oriented valleys allow cool ocean air to penetrate deep inland. Fog and fresh winds temper the sun, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. This produces wines with aromatic precision, vibrant acidity, and natural tension.

For the 2024 Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat uses grapes from four carefully managed vineyards: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, and North Canyon. This combination creates complexity and balance, with fruit, structure, and freshness enhancing each other.

Wine style and signature of Au Bon Climat

Au Bon Climat is known for a style consistently focused on subtlety and structure. Chardonnay isn't made here to impress with power, but to function at the table. Minerality, acidity, and intensity are key. The winery has been working with virtually the same vinification protocol for over forty years, based on small batches, hand harvesting, and time-tested techniques.

The Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is the house's signature wine. It's instantly accessible, yet clearly demonstrates why Au Bon Climat is so highly regarded by wine lovers and sommeliers.

2024 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay and the grapes

The 2024 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay. This grape thrives in Santa Barbara County thanks to the cool climate and long ripening period. The result is intense fruit without being overripe. Aromas remain bright and fresh, while the natural acidity provides tension and length.

The grapes will be picked in several rounds throughout September 2024. This phased harvest allows for the different levels of ripeness to be brought together in the final blend, contributing to complexity and balance.

Fermentation, malolactic conversion and sur lie maturation

After manual harvesting, the grapes are pressed as whole bunches. The juice is quickly clarified, cooled, and transferred to vats for fermentation. Both alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation take place in the vats. The wine then matures for eight months on lie in neutral French oak barrels from François Frères.

Because only neutral wood is used, the oak influence is limited to texture and structure. The fruit and freshness remain dominant, while the lees ageing adds depth and a refined mouthfeel.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2024 Chardonnay

In the glass, the wine has a bright, light golden color. The nose is expressive and fresh, with floral, citrus aromas such as kumquat, Buddha's hand, and grapefruit. As the wine opens, subtle notes emerge reminiscent of vanilla, lemon tart, and meringue.

On the palate, the wine is light to medium in weight, with lively acidity that provides balance and precision. The fruit is pure and energetic, supported by a soft texture and a long, fresh finish. This is a Chardonnay that effortlessly finds its place at the table.

Serving temperature and storage potential

Serve the 2024 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara County preferably at around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. The wine is immediately appealing upon release, but also has the structure to further develop in the coming years. With some bottle aging, the wine will become rounder and more complex, while retaining its fresh core.

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 these 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. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with 2024 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay

Chicken Alfredo with fresh pasta
The fresh acidity keeps the creamy dish in balance, while the soft texture of the wine complements the sauce beautifully.

Scallop sashimi with citrus and sesame
The citrus aromas in the wine enhance the freshness of the dish and support the delicate structure of the scallop.

Fried plaice with butter sauce and capers
The tension and minerality of the wine provide a counterbalance to the butter and saltiness.

Fish tacos with lightly fried cod and creamy coleslaw
The lively acidity refreshes the whole and keeps the dish light and drinkable.

Veal fricassee with lemon and tarragon
The spiciness and soft acidity in the wine complement the refined character of the dish.

Roasted cauliflower with beurre noisette and almond
The combination of nutty notes and freshness is nicely supported by the structure and length of the Chardonnay.