Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2027
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
roasted chicken, creamy mushroom risotto, pan-seared halibut
✨ Technical Specifications
The Sierra Madre Vineyard, first planted in 1971, is one of the true viticultural treasures of the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County. Au Bon Climat's rendition of Chardonnay from this historic site showcases the profound influence of the region's unique transverse valley, which funnels cool marine air and morning fog directly from the Pacific Ocean. Winemaker Jim Clendenen, a pioneer of Burgundian-style winemaking in California, crafted this wine to highlight the vineyard's sandy soils and cool climate. Utilizing traditional French techniques, the grapes are whole-cluster pressed and barrel-fermented in classic Francois Frères French oak barrels, undergoing complete malolactic fermentation with regular lees stirring. The result is a Chardonnay of exceptional balance, marrying vibrant, citrus-driven acidity and flinty minerality with a rich, textured palate and subtle toasted oak notes.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1982 by visionary vintner Jim Clendenen and Adam Tolmach, Au Bon Climat stands as one of California's most influential pioneers of cool-climate, Burgundian-style winemaking. Situated on the benchlands of the Santa Maria Valley and sourcing from iconic vineyards such as Bien Nacido, Sanford & Benedict, and the estate Le Bon Climat, the estate thrives within transverse valleys channeled by cold maritime airflow off the Pacific Ocean. Viticulture emphasizes sustainability, with key estate holdings certified organic. In the cellar, the late Clendenen's philosophy lives on through longtime winemaker Jim Adelman alongside Jim's children, Isabelle and Knox Clendenen. Vinification champions classical European restraint: whole-cluster pressing, native and selected yeast fermentations in François Frères French oak barrels, full lees contact, and unhurried elevage without excessive new wood or heavy extraction. Celebrated benchmark whites include the single-vineyard Bien Nacido K Block, Sanford & Benedict, and the flagship Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches Au Bouge, each exemplifying bright minerality, seamless acid architecture, and remarkable cellar longevity.
🍇 Grapes
Chardonnay
🍷 ABV
13.5%