2010 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

About This Wine

In 1974, Jim Clendenen discovered life beyond tacos.

He was in his junior year at the University of California Santa Barbara, studying pre-law. He took a trip to France, and it made such an impression that he returned after graduation and spent a month in Burgundy and Champagne. That’s when Clendenen decided to pursue a life in wine rather than law.

The courtroom’s loss has been the cellar’s gain. In 1981, Clendenen worked a total of three harvests — adding crushes in Australia and France to his “day job” with Zaca Mesa Winery. The next year, he founded Au Bon Climat with Adam Tolmach in Santa Barbara County.

Burgundian in sensibility but with California style is one way of describing Jim Clendenen's Chardonnays. This 2010 vintage is the 29th in a series of ABC Santa Barbara County Chardonnays, and embodies the same regional style that has been refined, with delicious results, over the years.

About Chardonnay

Relatively easy to grow in a variety of locations. Consistently produces some of the world's great white wines. Complex, full, rich and fruity with soft edges and moderate acidity. Offers rich and intense fruit flavors of apple, fig, melon, pear, peach, pineapple, along with creamy yeast spice, honey, butter and hazelnut flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Chardonnay
• Grape Source:Mostly Santa Maria Valley Area of Santa Barbara Co.
• Aromas & Flavors:Citrus, Apple, Stone Fruit, Apricot, Lemon & Custard
• Aging Vessels:Neutral French Oak Barrels for 9 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2014
• Food Pairing Suggestionveal cutlets, or turbot.

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