2019 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay [W&S94][V93][JD92][WE92]

Producer: Au Bon Climat  
Region: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California 
Varietal: Chardonnay 
Year: 2019 

Wine & Spirits, 94 Points 

"This wine comes from a parcel of chardonnay under contract to Au Bon Climat for more than 40 years. It has an old-vine reserve, starting off dense and broad, laden with expensive oak (half of the barrels are new). A leesy, toasted-nut savor comes up with air, the wine’s flavors quietly unfurling; after a day the texture becomes generous, layered and full of energy, the oak in retrograde. This clearly needs to grow into itself; when it does, serve it with butter-poached halibut." 

Vinous, 93 Points 

"The 2019 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection is a soft, open knit wine that captures the personality of this site so well. Lemon confit, tangerine oil, marzipan and lightly honeyed notes all run through the 2018. Soft, silky contours round out the finish." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 92 Points 

"Gorgeous as well, the 2019 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard comes from a great site in the Sta. Rita Hills and was brought up in 75% new François Frères barrels. Crushed citrus, caramelized mandarin orange, salty minerality, and toasted bread notes all define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, with a lively, elegant mouthfeel, good acidity, and building richness. It's wonderfully balanced and well worth seeking out."

Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points 

 "Singed oak, toasted almond and cashew and baked apple aromas converge on the nose of this bottling from a historic vineyard collection. The palate grips with a crushed rock minerality, giving a frame to the lemon zest and stone-fruit flavors." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"From a great vineyard site in the Sta. Rita Hills, this wonderfully balanced wine was brought up in 75% new François Frères barrels. Crushed citrus, caramelized mandarin orange, salty minerality, and toasted bread notes all define the bouquet. The wine is medium-bodied, with a lively, elegant mouthfeel, good acidity, and building richness." 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

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