AU BON CLIMAT Chardonnay 'Nuits-Blanches au Bouge' - Santa Maria Valley, California 2021 Bottle

White Still Wine | America | California | 75cl

£59.95 / ~~£359.70~~ £341.72 case

ABV: 13.5%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: America
Region: California
Wine Style: Medium Bodied
Grape: Chardonnay

Description

IN BRIEF
The 2021 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge is a distinguished expression of California’s cool-climate Chardonnay, crafted by renowned winemaker Jim Clendenen. This wine showcases the unique terroir of the Santa Barbara region and presents a bright, pale straw colour. On the nose, it offers delightful aromas of fresh citrus, green apple, and pear, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is beautifully balanced, featuring lively acidity alongside flavours of ripe stone fruits, lemon curd, and hints of buttered popcorn. Vinous awarded it 95 points for its mineral-driven character, while Decanter rated it 94 points for its aromatic intensity. The Wine Advocate rated it 91 points, praising its plush texture and nutty finish, making it an excellent choice for various dishes.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2021 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge is a remarkable wine that captures the essence of California's cool-climate Chardonnay, crafted by the renowned winemaker Jim Clendenen. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Clendenen has created a wine that exemplifies both elegance and complexity, showcasing the unique terroir of the Santa Barbara region.

Nuits-Blanches au Bouge typically presents a bright, pale straw colour, inviting you to explore its enticing aromas. On the nose, it offers a delightful bouquet of fresh citrus, green apple, and pear, intertwined with subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak from barrel aging. This aromatic profile sets the stage for a vibrant and expressive tasting experience.

On the palate, the 2021 Chardonnay is beautifully balanced, featuring a lively acidity that enhances its refreshing character. Flavours of ripe stone fruits, lemon curd, and hints of buttered popcorn unfold gracefully, complemented by the wine’s creamy texture. The finish is long and satisfying, with an elegant minerality that reflects its cool-climate origins.

This Chardonnay is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of dishes, such as roasted chicken, seafood, and creamy pasta dishes. It can also be enjoyed on its own, making it a superb choice for casual sipping or special occasions.

Overall, the 2021 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge is a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the best of California Chardonnay. Its refined character and complexity make it a must-try for both casual wine drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike, promising an enjoyable experience that highlights the artistry of one of California's most respected winemakers.

VINOUS 95 points
The 2021 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge is a powerful, tightly wound wine. Crushed flowers, mint, white pepper, lime and crushed rocks race across the palate. This pure, mineral-driven Chardonnay is superb. The Nuits-Blanches au Bouge was originally conceived to be a more opulent style of Chardonnay, but in today's world, it is decidedly mineral. The 2021 is a blend from Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat that spent two years in 100% new French oak barrels. - Antonio Galloni

DECANTER 94 points
Tasted by: Vanessa Rason
(at Santa Barbara, CA, 17 Mar 2025)
Part of Expert’s Choice: Santa Barbara Chardonnay
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2032
Intensely aromatic, bursting with sun-warmed lemon, vanilla and macadamia nut, yet surprisingly fresh and balanced on the palate. Lean acid structure and notable minerality complement the ripe character, which otherwise dominates the palate. Lemon zest, green apple and cream provide playful appeal, while a long, toasty finish brings a touch of sophistication. Continues a legacy of Au Bon Climat's elite Blue Series bottlings built by Jim Clendenen in 1996 with the second generation of vintners, siblings Isabella and Knox.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 91 points
Reviewed by: Matthew Luczy
Drink Date: 2024 - 2031
The 2021 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge is beautifully and unabashedly old-school. Exotic, decadent and oak-driven on the nose, the palate is soft and plush, taking on a boldly glossy texture from its new-oak élevage that works so well in the context of the style. It finishes rich, nutty and delicious, with classic popcorn kernel and toasted hazelnut notes.

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ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Au Bon Climat is a highly esteemed winery located in the Santa Barbara County region of California, known for its commitment to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the area. Founded in 1982 by winemaker Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat has earned a reputation for its elegant and expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting a blend of traditional winemaking techniques and a deep respect for the land.

The vineyards of Au Bon Climat benefit from the cool coastal climate of the Central Coast, which allows for a long growing season that enhances the ripening of grapes while preserving their acidity and freshness. The winery emphasizes sustainable farming practices, prioritizing the health of the vines and the surrounding ecosystem. This commitment to environmentally responsible viticulture not only improves grape quality but also fosters biodiversity in the vineyards.

Au Bon Climat is particularly renowned for its flagship varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir exhibits complex aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthiness, combined with fine tannins and a balanced structure. The Chardonnay is celebrated for its vibrant acidity, fruit-forward nature, and elegant oak integration, often featuring notes of citrus, apple, and a hint of minerality. Both wines reflect the distinct characteristics of their heritage, celebrating the cool-climate fruit that defines the Santa Barbara region.

The winemaking philosophy at Au Bon Climat embraces minimal intervention, allowing the true expression of the grapes and terroir to shine through. Fermentation with native yeasts and aging in French oak barrels contributes to the wines' complexity and depth.

As Au Bon Climat continues to gain recognition in the wine community, it remains dedicated to its artisanal approach and the pursuit of excellence. Each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and a passion for winemaking, inviting enthusiasts to appreciate the artistry that defines this exceptional winery. Whether enjoyed during special meals, celebrations, or quiet moments, wines from Au Bon Climat offer a remarkable glimpse into the vibrant character of California’s wine country.

AU BON CLIMAT

About
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.

Jim’s passion for wine was born of a trip to Burgundy in the mid-1970s when he was a student studying Law at UC Santa Barbara. During subsequent visits his enthusiasm for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grew and he became convinced that the Californian hills were capable of something special with these two noble varieties.

Au Bon Climat translates as “a well-exposed vineyard” a name suiting the coastal position of the vineyards, with its benevolent Pacific fog and cooling breeze. Making the most of these conditions ABC buy clones from Burgundy. This contributes to creating wines which emulate the restraint and finesse of Europe but with a magic touch of New World flair.

The vineyards ABC source their grapes from reads as a ‘who’s who’ of Central Coast vineyards. Bien Nacido and Jim’s own “Le Bon Climat” are the biggest contributors. The influence of the Pacific can be felt standing in the canyon of Bien Nacido where the warm days and cool nights characterise this superb terroir. Le Bon Climat in contrast consists of mainly hilltop vineyards. Jim acquired 40ha here in 1998 and has applied his typically rigorous approach to get the best from the plot.

Like most of best early pioneers on USA’s West Coast Jim needed no encouragement to recognise the importance of the soil. He farms all is own vineyards organically to maximise the personality of each site coming through in the wines. Le Bon Climat was certified organic in 2003.

A wide array of wines are produced from ABCs own vineyards and from the close relationships the estate enjoys with other growers.

They are classified into four categories. “Santa Barbara County Classics” are the most accessible in the range, both in terms of price and their sheer drinkability; “Single Vineyard” wines are an ever-changing selection of expressions from remarkable single sites; “Historic Vineyards” represent the five icons of the Central Coast, and the “Blue Series” which show off the very best cuveés, have a high proportion of new oak and reward a long bottle ageing.

It would be difficult to overstate Jim’s impact on Californian wine-making. Just as it is difficult to overstate the quality of the wines.