Santa Maria Valley

Founded in 1982, Au Bon Climat produces internationally-recognised Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from grapes grown in California’s Santa Barbara County. “ABC”, as the property is more commonly known, has won universal acclaim for its wines thanks to Jim “Wild Boy” Clendenen, its winemaker and owner.

A nod to Burgundy but with lots of ripe, bright New World fruit, this Pinot Noir has a cool nose of strawberry and ripe cherry fruit with warming hints of sweet spice. On the palate, it is fleshy and generous with lots of ripe red berry fruit with fine, polished tannins and a lovely freshness on the generously long finish. Drink now to 2026.

A Californian masterpiece, with less pronounced oak than its stablemates, the 2013 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard offers medium-bodied, steely, crisp, lemony core, overlaid with ripe apple notes, toasted nut and hints of flowers. Awesomely pure and detailed palate, mouthwatering acidity and a focused finish. Classy all the way, this is a great Chardonnay!

Lively red fruit, with a smoky note from the stems (60%). Very aromatic and pure – a classic Au Bon Climat hallmark is the intense fragrance of the Pinots. Floral as well. Masses of ripe, soft red fruit on the palate, think redcurrants, cranberries, et al. Very supple tannins and a fine boned structure. One for Christmas lunch in a couple of years.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager