Description
"Au Bon Climat has an evergreen contract for the best block of Chardonnay at Bien Nacido. All the Chardonnay from “K” Block has been made into wine at Au Bon Climat since 1989. This block was planted in 1972 and is still producing delicious old vine Chardonnay. Harvested in early October, the fruit was low in sugar but the intensity and flavors indicated the grapes were ready. Traditional winemaking practices were employed to make this lovely Chardonnay. The grapes were hand harvested, whole cluster pressed (to minimize tannin extraction from the skins), fermented in 80% new François Frères French oak barrels, completed malolactic fermentation, aged for 20 months, then bottled unfiltered. A bright, energetic Chardonnay with a fragrant nose of Meyer lemon, orange blossom and almond that segue to the palate judiciously backed by toasty oak vanillin and crushed rock minerality. Made in the Old World style, it is a wine of good depth and richness that will age for years to come." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection is super-expressive right out of the gate. Orchard fruit, spice, white flowers and a touch of vanillin all race out of the glass. The 100% new oak is very nicely integrated. Suave, silky contours wrap it all together in style." - 94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
