Au Bon Climat, founded in 1982, has become synonymous with elegance and restraint in Californian winemaking. Located in Santa Barbara County, the winery leverages the region's cool climate and marine influences, crafting wines that marry Old World sensibilities with New World terroir.
The visionary behind Au Bon Climat was Jim Clendenen, often referred to as the "Mind Behind." Clendenen, with his extensive exposure to European winemaking, especially in Burgundy, sought to defy the prevailing trend of overly ripe, high-alcohol wines that dominated California in the 1980s. His approach emphasised balance, nuance, and age-ability, drawing on classical techniques and meticulous vineyard management. Clendenen's untimely passing in 2021 marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to shape the winery's philosophy.
The wines of Au Bon Climat are renowned for their finesse and complexity, showcasing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc as their flagship varietals. Eschewing excessive oak or extraction, these wines reflect Clendenen’s commitment to restrained winemaking, allowing the fruit and site expression to take centre stage. The Chardonnays are Burgundian in style, with a focus on minerality and structure, while the Pinot Noirs exhibit ethereal red fruit, earthiness, and a silky texture.
Au Bon Climat remains a standard-bearer of how California's terroir can shine through a lens of refinement and tradition.