Au Bon Climat "Nuits-Blanches au Bouge" Chardonnay 2021

Au Bon Climat started making “Nuits-Blanches” in 1996 when Jim Clendenen decided to “show off” the exceptional grape quality at Bien Nacido Vineyard. We picked later, sorted more, and kept the wine in barrel longer than any other Chardonnay. The Nuits-Blanches style is richer and oakier than other Au Bon Climat Chardonnays. Each vintage of Nuits-Blanches receives a title. In 2021, "Foresight" was chosen as we look toward a new decade and generation.

The fruit for “Nuits-Blanches” Chardonnay traditionally represents the best of Bien Nacido Vineyard “K Block”, in the Santa Maria Valley. Block “K” at Bien Nacido is one of the original blocks planted at Bien Nacido in early 1973 and is one of the best. Planted all to UC Davis clone 4, this clone in the cool Santa Maria Valley yields grapes low in pH at a ripe sugar level. A low pH Chardonnay will age better, integrate oak better, and pair with food better. Le Bon Climat is planted with Dijon Clones 76 and 96 which have riper characteristics at lower sugar than the Davis clones. The small amount of Le Bon Climat Chardonnay blended into this wine adds a nice layer of complexity and texture.

The chardonnay experienced slow ripening and a cool harvest, and then handpicked at optimal acidity. After pressing, the wine was barrel fermented in 100% new French oak barrels. After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine aged gracefully on lees for one year before being racked and returned to barrels for an additional 8 months of aging.