| Region of production: | Santa Maria Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills AVA |
| Winery Location: | Santa Maria |
| Year Established: | 1982 |
Vineyard Holdings
- Le Bon Climat Vineyard: Planted in 1998, 2006, and 2007.
Sourced Vineyards
- Bien Nacido Vineyard
- Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
- Los Alamos Vineyard: Home of the Au Bon Climat winery from 1982 to 1989.
Top Wines Produced
- Clendenen Family Vineyard Le Bon Climat (Santa Maria Valley AVA)
- Bien Nacido Vineyard (Santa Maria Valley AVA): Up to 60% whole cluster.
- Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills AVA)
- Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Maria Valley AVA)
- Isabelle (California): A blend of the top wines from each vintage. Vineyard sources include Russian River Valley, Anderson Valley, and the Central Coast.
Average Total Production
- 600,000 bottles
Summary
Jim Clendenen studied pre-law at UC Santa Barbara but went on to pursue winemaking, compelled by experiences while studying abroad in France. Jim worked for Zaca Mesa Winery for three vintages, then in Australia and France. In 1982, he founded Au Bon Climat with Adam Tolmach, who remained a partner until 1990. Over the years, Jim has received many accolades including Winemaker of the Year for the LA Times (1992) and Food & Wine (2001) and Winemaker of the World for Germany’s Wein Gourmet (2004).
Style & Vinification Techniques
Fermentations are done in open-top tanks and punchdowns are by hand. Top wines are aged in new French oak with minimal racking throughout élevage and without fining or filtration.
Producer Website: Au Bon Climat