Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Sanford and Benedict Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley 2019

Description

The first “great“ vineyard in Santa Barbara County was planted by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict in 1971, first with Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, then later with Pinot Noir vines from Karl Wente. The Burgundian varieties had found a home in Santa Barbara County. With a mantle of hard, siliceous chert-gravel covering deep, well-drained soils, it is a perfect medium for Pinot and Chardonnay. Sanford & Benedict is primarily planted with Pinot Noir (68 acres) and Chardonnay (52 acres).

Au Bon Climat was lucky enough to buy a few tons of grapes from Michael Benedict in the mid-1980s, and since then, Au Bon Climat has received grapes from this vineyard every year except in 1990 when the vineyard was in transition. As the “new” winemaking crowd discovered and consequently worshipped this vineyard, demand for Sanford and Benedict grapes has skyrocketed. Au Bon Climat still buys some Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the original plantings of this vineyard as we have for the last 23 years. Only Sanford Winery has that kind of “history" with this vineyard.

The fruit is barrel fermented in François Frères barrels, 50% new, and aged for about 12 months prior to bottling. The flavour profile for this well-structured Chardonnay is in the subtle pear and apple realm with accents of lavender and anise from the time in barrel. The citrusy notes of lemon and orange will evolve into more of a mineral and saline quality. Over time, additional flavours and aromas will emerge as the wine expands. As a young Chardonnay, this wine pairs well with any fish, from salmon to trout. With age, the wine matches will increase to dishes with mushrooms and game birds.