Au Bon Climat Chardonnay 2021, Santa Barbara County, California

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 surlies barrel aging in somewhat neutral, François Frères barrels for 10 months. Flavors and aromas of citrus and stone fruit, are finished with a beautiful lemon/lime zest note. Vineyard: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Le Con Climat. 100% Chardonnay. Cooperage: 10 months, neutral François Frères French oak. “All the Chardonnay grapes are carefully handpicked and sorted in the vineyard. After harvesting, the grapes are whole cluster pressed, and juice is quickly settled and chilled to begin barrel fermentation. The wine is dry and completed malo-lactic fermentation. We blended and processed the wine during the following summer.” – Winery