Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara 2023

The Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara 2024 opens with aromas of green apple, pear, and lemon zest layered with delicate notes of hazelnut and brioche. On the palate, the wine reveals a medium-bodied texture with bright acidity and a core of citrus, orchard fruit, and subtle tropical hints. Gentle oak influence adds nuances of vanilla and toast without overshadowing the fruit. The wine finishes long and clean, marked by minerality and a refreshing saline edge that reflects the cooling coastal influence of Santa Barbara. Elegant and balanced, this Chardonnay captures the finesse and restraint that Au Bon Climat has championed since its founding. It is a versatile white wine, equally at home as a lively aperitif or paired with a meal, and demonstrates why Santa Barbara has earned a reputation for world-class Chardonnay with Burgundian character.

This Chardonnay’s balance of fruit, acidity, and subtle oak makes it an incredibly versatile partner at the table. For seafood, it pairs beautifully with grilled halibut, seared scallops, or lobster with drawn butter, enhancing both richness and freshness. Roast chicken with herbs, creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, or a mushroom risotto also complement its depth and roundness. For lighter fare, pair it with goat cheese salads, sushi, or fresh oysters to highlight its minerality. On the indulgent side, a baked brie with honey and almonds or a lemon tart dessert creates a refined and memorable pairing experience.

Santa Barbara County has become one of California’s most acclaimed wine regions, celebrated for its coastal influence and remarkable microclimates. With mountain ranges that run east to west—unlike most in North America—the valleys open directly to the Pacific Ocean. This unique geography funnels in cool marine air and morning fog, tempering California’s sunshine and creating an extended growing season. Chardonnay thrives here, developing balanced acidity, layered minerality, and expressive fruit flavors that reflect the region’s distinct terroir.

At the heart of Santa Barbara’s wine story is Au Bon Climat, founded in 1982 by visionary winemaker Jim Clendenen. Known affectionately as the “Mind Behind,” Clendenen was a pioneer of Burgundian varieties in California, firmly believing Santa Barbara could produce world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that rivaled their Old World counterparts. Over four decades, Au Bon Climat became synonymous with elegance, restraint, and European sensibility, consistently earning acclaim from critics and wine lovers alike.

The winery’s home is in the Bien Nacido Vineyard, one of the most respected vineyard sites in California. From the beginning, Clendenen’s mission was to craft wines of balance and authenticity—wines that showcased the character of the vineyard, not just the hand of the winemaker. His influence helped shape Santa Barbara into the benchmark region it is today for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The 2024 vintage continues this legacy, carrying forward Au Bon Climat’s hallmark style of restrained ripeness, balanced acidity, and refined complexity. Though Jim Clendenen passed away in 2021, his philosophy endures, and Au Bon Climat remains a leader in producing timeless, terroir-driven wines that celebrate both Santa Barbara’s unique geography and his enduring vision.