| Region of production: | Central Coast |
| Winery Location: | Santa Barbara |
| Year Established: | 1982 |
Vineyard Holdings
- Le Bon Climat (Santa Maria): 40.5 ha (not all planted)
- Bien Nacido (Santa Maria)
- Rancho La Cuna (Los Alamos Valley): 2.5 ha
Top Wines Produced
- Santa Barbara
- Los Alamos
- Nuit Blanches au Bouge
- Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
- Bien Nacido Vineyard
- Talley Vineyard
- Sierra Madre Vineyard
Average Total Production
- 600,000 bottles
Summary
Jim Clendenen began his winemaking career in 1978 working three years at Zaca Mesa Winery before moving on to work harvests in France and Australia in 1981. Jim started Au Bon Climat in 1982 with business partner Adam Tolmach. Their goal was to focus on Burgundian varietals from the Central Coast. Adam left the winery in 1990 and Jim has continued to grow vineyard holdings and case production to over 50,000 cases annually. Jim has also created the Clendenen Family Vineyards brand which focuses on smaller lot bottling from a wider range of varieties.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Chardonnay grapes are whole cluster pressed, juice is chilled and allowed to settle overnight. Fermentation takes place in French Oak barrels and undergoes full malolactic fermentation. Wine is aged sur lie in barrel before being bottled unfiltered.
Producer Website: Au Bon Climat