Au Bon Climat - 2021 Los Alamos Chardonnay 750ml

"Au Bon Climat and Los Alamos Vineyard share a lot of history. It was 1982 when Au Bon Climat made its first wine in a small barn on their property. Though the winery has since moved, ABC continues to source fruit from them. The vineyard is located in the Los Alamos Valley wine region which has been creating distinctive wines for over 40 years, yet has never received an official appellation. That didn’t stop us from placing the Los Alamos Vineyard in our Historic Vineyards Collection series, an homage to key outstanding vineyards on the Central Coast that have elevated Burgundian varietals. The Chardonnays have a signature character of tropical hints of coconut and pineapple with a marvelously viscous texture.

From the Winemaker: The Los Alamos Vineyard is roughly 500 planted acres, most of which is on flat bottomland of the Los Alamos Valley that is sandwiched between the warmer Santa Ynez Valley and cooler Santa Maria Valley appellations. The best grapes from this vineyard are found to the north on the gentle slopes of the hills. We source from grapes grown at the top of the wind-swept slopes of the Solomon Hills. On this hilltop the wind and shallower soils keep the yields low and the grapes struggle to ripen. Even though it is a struggle, the small crop ripens early. The fruit is hand harvested, whole cluster pressed, and put to barrel. It was aged 16 months on the lees in 33% new François Frères French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: This vineyard is known for creating wines of texture and depth. The 2021 shows aromas of dried lemon, white flowers and grapefruit-peel with hints of apricot, coconut and oak. The palate surrounds a rounded almond flavor, with tart citrus and warm wood tones decorating the experience. It is layered with a textured mouthfeel, bright acidity, and a clean finish.

Food Pairing: This medium-bodied Chardonnay goes with filet of sole, scallops, roast chicken, and pastas with light, creamy white sauce." - Au Bon Climat

Style / Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, California, USA
ABV: 13.5%
Vol: 750ml