AU BON CLIMAT 'Hildegard White' - Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California 2020/21/22 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Au Bon Climat Hildegard White is a distinctive wine that highlights the exceptional qualities of California's winemaking region. Crafted by renowned winemaker Jim Clendenen, this blend primarily features Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Viognier, showcasing the best characteristics of each varietal. The wine displays a bright pale straw colour and presents enticing aromas of fresh apple and pear, complemented by hints of citrus zest and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it is refreshing and well-balanced, with vibrant acidity enhancing its fruit-forward character and revealing flavors of stone fruits, citrus, and a touch of spice. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled chicken, and light pasta dishes, making it an excellent choice for casual sipping or more formal occasions.

ABOUT THIS WINE - 2022 vintage
Au Bon Climat Hildegard White is a distinctive wine that beautifully showcases the exceptional qualities of California's renowned winemaking region. Crafted by the celebrated winemaker Jim Clendenen, this white blend primarily features Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Viognier, bringing together the best characteristics of each varietal to create a harmonious and intriguing wine.

The Hildegard White is known for its bright and vibrant appearance, often displaying a pale straw colour. On the nose, it captivates with a bouquet of fragrant aromas, including Fresh fruits like apple and pear, complemented by hints of citrus zest and delicate floral notes. This aromatic complexity invites you to experience the wine's elegance and finesse.

On the palate, Au Bon Climat Hildegard White presents a refreshing and well-balanced profile. The wine's bright acidity supports its fruit-forward character, with flavours of stone fruits, citrus, and a touch of spice unfolding gracefully. The integration of different grape varieties adds depth and complexity, making each sip an enjoyable exploration of flavour.

This white blend is versatile when it comes to food pairings, complementing a wide range of dishes such as seafood, grilled chicken, and light pasta dishes. It is also delightful on its own, making it a perfect choice for casual sipping or more formal occasions.

Overall, Au Bon Climat Hildegard White is a beautifully crafted wine that exemplifies the dedication to quality and artistry that has made Au Bon Climat a respected name in the wine industry. With its vibrant character and balance, this wine is sure to please both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts alike.

VINOUS 95 points
The 2022 White Hildegard Estate is superb. This blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté fared exceptionally well in this vintage. Orchard fruit, citrus peel, white pepper and slate lend notable cut. This vibrant, steely white marries freshness and textural resonance. It's one of the top wines here in 2022. - Antonio Galloni

DECANTER 94 points
Tasted by: Vanessa Rason
(at Santa Barbara, California, 01 Aug 2024)
Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035
This unique white blend is said to be the revival of an ancient bottling created by Empress Hildegard, the first Queen of France. Delicate floral notes of jasmine and nectarine blossom add lift to subtle stonefruit aromas. Though a softer wine on the nose, the palate reveals a much more expressive flavour of white peach, lemon curd, and fatty macadamia nut. Flavours are balanced through textural complexity with a slightly oily feel that coats the mouth. Subtle aromas and fruit flavours are magnified through the wine's textural complexity. This allows Hildegard Chardonnay to pair beautifully with subtle, delicate flavours often found in Japanese cuisine while standing up to more poignant flavours in foods like fish or mushrooms.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 93 points
Reviewed by: Matthew Luczy
Drink Date: 2025 - 2032
Always a singular highlight in the Au Bon Climat portfolio, the 2022 Hildegard recreates the 19th-century layout of Corton-Charlemagne, blending Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc (from Bien Nacido) with Aligoté (from Le Bon Climat). Its maturation in 100% new barrels provides a rich, toasty opulence that remains impressively classy and composed, layered with vanilla pod, toasted hazelnut and flinty flourishes. The palate unfolds as expected with a glossy, full-bodied and decadent profile, energized by a lively backbone of minerality that offers drive and persistence.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points
Mineral, with a quiet floral lift alongside the warmth of new French oak. Punchy acidity maintains a lively yet textural palate, where hazelnuts anchor apricots, hard pears, lemons and limes. Drink or hold.

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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.