2021 Au Bon Climat, Nuits-Blanches au Bouge, Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

Chardonnay is often seen as the king of white wine grapes and one of the most widely planted in the world It is suited to a wide variety of soils, though it excels in soils with a high limestone content as found in Champagne, Chablis, and the Côte D`Or. Burgundy is Chardonnay's spiritual home and the best White Burgundies are dry, rich, honeyed wines with marvellous poise, elegance and balance. They are unquestionably the finest dry white wines in the world. Chardonnay plays a crucial role in the Champagne blend, providing structure and finesse, and is the sole grape in Blanc de Blancs.

Located in Santa Barbara County, California, Santa Maria Valley is renowned for its exceptional wines and unique terroir. Its cool climate, influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean, makes it ideal for growing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Winemakers embrace minimal intervention and sustainable practices, allowing the true essence of the grapes and terroir to shine through in the wines.

The late Jim Clendenen founded Au Bon Climat (ABC) in 1982. He became famous for making pioneering wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on California’s Central Coast. He passed away in 2021 and is remembered as one of the most charismatic and influential people of his vinous generation.