Au Bon Climat 'Wild Boy' Chardonnay 2022

From one of Cali's most sought after producers, this outstanding Chardy is modern and fresh with as much personality as the man on the label. Think brioche and big ripe citrus flavours with a hint of luscious oak. But close your eyes and you could be in Burgundy - this is restrained and grown up - in no way soupy or buttery like some less fashionable - more apple crumble with vanilla cream. Awesome food wine. Anything with a cream sauce (chicken springs to mind) or big, stinky ripe soft cheeses.

Press Review:

Jancis Robinson: “Fermented and aged for 11 months in French oak barrels from François Frères, with a small proportion of new oak. The Wild Boy version is deliberately made in a more opulent style. From Jim Clendenen but this does not say Au Bon Climat on the label. Some savour and real raciness. Hint of a deep medicinal streak. No hurry to drink this! Proper wine".

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

It took just a month spent in Burgundy in the mid-70's for Jim to redirect his career path from law to vine. Subsequent visits inspired Jim's affection for Pinot & Chardonnay, and most notably the name of his winery-to-be; 'Au Bon Climat', which translates as “a well-exposed vineyard”. Being a pioneer of the West Coast wine scene, Jim was among the first to cite the importance of soil. As such all of the ABC owned vineyards are farmed organically (certified since 2003). They are, naturally, well-positioned vineyards across the Central Coast, with warm days, cool nights and the influence of the Pacific and it's benevolent fog characterising the superb terroir.