Au Bon Climat - Chardonnay Santa Ynez Valley Sanford & Benedict Vineyard 2018

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94 Points, John Gilman "This is outstanding Chardonnay! Au Bon Climat ‘s 2018 Chardonnay from the Sanford and Benedict Vineyard is a beautifully complex young wine, offering up lovely precision on both the nose and palate. The wine comes in at a svelte 13.5% octane in this vintage. The refined bouquet wafts from the glass in a mix of apple, fresh pineapple, a touch of lemon zest, salty minerality, a touch of beeswax, gentle savory elements that hint at wild fennel, citrus blossoms and a suave framing of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and complex, with an excellent core, seamless balance, zesty acids and a long, vibrant and very classy finish."

Au Bon Climat Description

Jim Clendenen, the “Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat (which means "a well exposed vineyard") sources fruit from several of the most highly regarded vineyards in the Central Coast including Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Barbara County.) The winery has cultivated an international reputation for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.

A View from the Cellar: 94 Points

Au Bon Climat ‘s 2018 Chardonnay from the Sanford and Benedict Vineyard is a beautifully complex young wine, offering up lovely precision on both the nose and palate. The wine comes in at a svelte 13.5 percent octane in this vintage. The refined bouquet wafts from the glass in a mix of apple, fresh pineapple, a touch of lemon zest, salty minerality, a touch of beeswax, gentle savory elements that hint at wild fennel, citrus blossoms and a suave framing of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and complex, with an excellent core, seamless balance, zesty acids and a long, vibrant and very classy finish. This is outstanding chardonnay!

Vinous: 94 Points

The 2018 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection is creamy and ample, with pretty floral notes that lend complexity. This is one of the richer, creamier wines readers will find from this part of the old-vine section of Sanford & Benedict. A few hours of aeration brings out gorgeous textural richness to play off the wine's natural brilliance.

Decanter: 93 Points

A classic expression of the Au Bon Climat style, this has subdued aromas of apple and apricot. On the palate it's both supple and subtle, with a silky but compact mid-palate. Good acidity gives elegance and excellent balance and length. This should go the distance. (SB)