Reviews & Ratings

2021 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay "Santa Barbara Country"

Winery: Au Bon Climat

Vintage: 2021

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Santa Barbara Country"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Santa Barbara County

State or country: CA

Price: $24

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 91 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: June 23, 2023

Wine Review: This white gold colored Chardonnay opens with a brioche, light pear and gentle Meyer lemon bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round and fresh. The flavor profile is a tasty poached pear and gentle pineapple blend with notes of oak, green apple and mild stony minerality. I also detected hints of baking spice, lemon verbena, and a touch of caramel. The finish is dry and its flavors drift away nicely. I would pair this very nice Chard with a wild mushroom and chicken ravioli with a light cream sauce. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2021 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is a beautiful example of the Au Bon Climat style. The flinty, stony aromas stand out, while in the background is an intriguing spice note of clove and nutmeg from sur lies barrel aging in somewhat neutral, Francois Freres barrels for 10 months. Flavors and aromas of citrus and stone fruit are finished with a beautiful lemon/lime zest note. This wine is intense, but light on its feet and is built to compliment food, not overpower food. It’s immediately enjoyable and it will improve for at least 10 years. Some good food pairing would be chicken or seafood with pasta in a light creamy sauce.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Au Bon Climat 2021 Santa Barbara Country Chardonnay.