Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
roasted chicken, creamy mushroom risotto, pan-seared halibut
✨ wine.spec_sheet
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.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1982 by the legendary winemaker Jim Clendenen and Adam Tolmach, Au Bon Climat is a pioneering estate located in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, California. Situated on the historic Bien Nacido Vineyard, the winery is internationally acclaimed for its unwavering commitment to crafting Burgundian-style wines of balance, restraint, and longevity. Utilizing traditional French winemaking techniques, including open-top fermenters, manual punch-downs, and aging in classic Francois Frères French oak barrels, Au Bon Climat produces highly expressive, food-friendly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their signature expressions, such as the Knox Alexander Pinot Noir and Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay, showcase the unique, cool-climate terroir of California's Central Coast.