2020 Au Bon Climat Hindsight Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay [JD95][V95][WE93]

Producer: Au Bon Climat  
Region: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California 
Varietal: Chardonnay 
Year: 2020 

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points 

"Slightly more expensive, the 2020 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge - Hindsight comes entirely from Chardonnay (90% Bien Nacido and 10% Le Bon Climat vineyards) that spent 18 months in new French oak. Its similar medium gold hue is followed by stunning notes of ripe orchard fruits, honeyed melon, spicy oak, and white flowers. Slightly larger scaled and richer than the Sanford & Benedict release, it's another stunning Chardonnay from this team that's impeccably made. Drink bottles over the coming decade." 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"The 2020 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge, a selection from Bien Nacido, is remarkably fresh and vibrant. Crushed rocks, citrus peel, mint, tangerine oil and white pepper are beautifully delineated. The purity of the flavors is just striking. Aging is a combination of 350 and 228-liter barrels confers notable freshness. This is a stellar showing from Au Bon Climat." 

Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points 

"Rounded aromas of marzipan are woven through crisp nectarine and white plum flesh components on the nose of this bottling. The palate is firm and floral, mixing honeydew, crisp pear and light honeysuckle flavors into harmony." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"A rich, luxurious Chardonnay with fruit notes of pear, nectarine, and lemon confit accompanied by chalky minerality and toasted spice. Brought up in new Francois Freres French oak barrels, it is medium-bodied, balanced, with a great mid-palate as well as impressive length." 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.