Tag: Au Bon Climat

Get to Know Our Winemaking Team Part 1: Sarah Atwood

Published

Behind every bottle is a person, a story, and a whole lot of passion. In Part 1 of our four-part series, we’re pulling back the curtain and introducing you to the people who bring our wines to life. From long harvest days to lifelong inspirations, our winemakers share what drives them, what surprises them, and what keeps them excited about wine year after year.

MEET WINEMAKER, SARAH ATWOOD

What first sparked your love for wine and when did you realize it could become a career?
Around the time I was heading off for college, I had this huge desire to learn everything I could about wine. I did not grow up around much of a wine culture and never had a specific person introducing me to impactful bottles or tales of the vineyard. It was just a completely new topic to explore which excited me. That motivated me in the early years to completely immerse myself in anything remotely related to wine which brought me to some awesome places and broadened my studies to not only winemaking but many related topics and projects. It has been a great journey so far and I often re-fall in love with wine now working for Au Bon Climat.

Harvest season: adrenaline rush or controlled chaos? (Or a bit of both?)
It depends on the day. There is a lot of experience in the cellar. Collectively, the team seen a lot and are great at getting back on track quickly if things don’t go to plan. There are always curveballs and the adrenaline rush actually keeps you going when you are exhausted and sleep deprived. We have a long harvest, so stamina is key.

What’s something about the wine industry that surprised you once you were on the inside?
Everyone says the wine world is “small.” It really is! You tend to run into the same people again over the years. It is a global community and every connection is valuable.

If you could spend a month drinking your way through one Old World wine region, where would you go and why?
Tough question. I think I would have to go with Portugal. Portuguese wines are still a blind spot for me. They have a huge range of styles and varieties. I don’t think I could ever get bored exploring their wine regions.

Do you have a personal or “secret” wine project outside of your day-to-day winemaking?
Yes! In 2024, I started Domaine Publica wines with my partner Ben. It is a culmination of our experiences in wine, getting to work with some incredible people and vineyards that we have met along the way. We specialize in lesser-known Mediterranean varieties that are incredibly well suited to grow in California’s climate. Really fun to drink and even more fun to pronounce, our first vintage of Falanghina, Assyrtiko, and Refosco will be bottled this spring.

What’s your guilty pleasure food?
Eggplant. With everything. With zero guilt! You can’t beat the flavor. I’ll have eggplant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if it works out. Every tomato dish benefits from eggplant. Caprese salad, next level when you add sliced grilled eggplant. Baba ghanoush > hummus. Achari Baingan (eggplant curry) I could eat every day.

Stay tuned for the next part in our May newsletter, where we’ll continue the series.

Enrique’s Mac & Cheese (Brie & Gruyere Edition)

Published

Enrique often makes this luxurious Mac & Cheese when we’ve accumulated leftover cheese from winery lunches. If you don’t have a fridge full of cheese scraps, this version, built around Brie and Gruyere, is his go‑to. Feel free to adjust the cheese blend to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 3 cups shredded Brie
  • 3 cups shredded Gruyere
  • 2 cups half‑and‑half
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup shredded Parmigiano
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 lb pasta (penne, bowtie, or any curly shape)
  • Butter or olive oil (for sautéing and greasing the dish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A drizzle of olive oil (for binding the topping)

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Pasta

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously.
  • Cook pasta until al dente.
  • Drain and transfer to a buttered baking dish.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

While the pasta water is heating:

  1. In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, sauté the garlic and shallots in butter or olive oil until softened.
    • Do not let them brown.
  2. Add the half‑and‑half and heavy cream. Warm gently over medium heat.
    • Do not let it boil.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Slowly add the Brie and Gruyere, stirring often until fully melted and smooth.

3. Prepare the Topping

  • In a small bowl, combine the Parmigiano and panko.
  • Add a light drizzle of olive oil and mix so the crumbs lightly bind.

4. Assemble & Bake

  1. Pour the hot cheese sauce over the pasta in the baking dish.
  2. Stir to coat evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the panko–Parmigiano mixture over the top.
  4. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is hot and bubbly.

5. Serve and enjoy immediately while hot and melty.

Suggested Pairing: 2023 Chardonnay “Nuits-Blanches au Bouge”

Wine Pairing Notes

Indulge in the artistry of our “Nuits-Blanches” Chardonnay, crafted to showcase the exceptional quality of Bien Nacido Vineyard. Bright notes of lemon-lime and apricot meet subtle hints of coriander and nutty lemongrass, balanced by a vibrant acidity and creamy undertones from François Frères French oak. Layers of baked challah and caramel add richness to this beautifully structured wine. Perfectly balanced and age-worthy, it promises to captivate now and for decades to come.

November 2025 Wine Club Newsletter

Published

The Latest from Au Bon Climat

Scroll through for the latest news and updates from Au Bon Climat and as always, find the tasting notes and details for the wines featured in your November Wine Club Shipment below!

Click THE IMAGES BELOW to view our featured content & SCROLL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR November WINE CLUB SHIPMENT…
Homemade Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese and Spices
Celebrating Press & Pouring Praise
2023 Bien Nacido Historic Vineyard Pinot Noir
Harvest Recap 2025: From Isabelle
Jim Adelman Says Adieu to Au Bon Climat

November add-on specials…

WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE ADD ONS

Enhance your November club shipment with limited wines chosen from our cellar – available à la carte for your upcoming shipment. Stock up as the Holidays approach…take advantage of flat rate shipping with our wine club offers. Click here to add these exclusive bottles to your shipment…

BONUS ADD ON OPPORTUNITY

The 2021 Au Bon Climat “Larmes de Grappe” Pinot Noir has earned its place among the best—recently named in the Top Ten American Wines by Decanter. A remarkable recognition for a wine that captures the essence of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Au Bon Climat’s unwavering dedication to excellence. We’ve been saving this wine for our members—take advantage of the opportunity to add this special wine to your cellar before it sells out!!

Mark your calendars: Deadline to add on is October 31st, 4PM

Exclusive Access to the following Wines:

2013 Clendenen Family Vineyards “Bricco Buon Natale” Nebbiolo
2017 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay “32nd Celebration”
2014 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”
2015 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”
2013 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Vineyard  Pinot Noir

How to add wines to your shipment:

1. Sign into your membership profile–click here

2. Select “Edit Wines” in the upper right corner of your membership profile

3. Choose your desired wines or bundle

4. Click ‘Save Selection’ at the top

5. View total breakdown including shipping discount under ‘TOTAL’

ADD-ON DEADLINE IS October 31ST AT 4PM PST

If you would like to add on wines not featured in your club portal, please contact us. Email wineclub@aubonclimat.com or call 805-883-8165.

Included in this Shipment…

2022 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Runway Vineyard

Runway Vineyard is worthy of its vineyard-designated Chardonnay bottling. This wine captivates with a rich nose of coconut cream, walnut, and toasted barley, while vibrant notes of yuzu and honeysuckle shine on the palate. With impressive mid-palate weight and a finish of oak spice and white chocolate meringue, it’s a refined testament to our close-knit relationship with this exceptional vineyard.

2024 Clendenen Family Vineyards Chenin Blanc

A Loire Valley classic, found a new home when Jim Clendenen planted Chenin Blanc at Rancho La Cuna in 2015. This vintage is remarkably expressive, with aromas of lemongrass, honeysuckle, green mango, and white currant. On the palate, bright green apple leads, framed by jasmine and lemon madeleine. Lean acidity gives way to a silky finish from sur lie aging.

2024 Clendenen Family Vineyards Dr. Gonzales Riesling

Whether you know him as Mige, Miguel, or “Dr. Gonzalez,” you certainly know his smile-and now you can taste his love for Mosel-style Riesling. This vibrant wine opens with notes of strawberry lemonade, unfolding into layers of flint, pine, and Honeycrisp apple. Bright acidity and chalky minerality keep the off-dry style refreshing and complex. Crafted under Miguel’s careful hand from vineyard to bottle, it’s delicious today and promises even more charm with time.

2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”

“Knox Alexander” Pinot Noirs are meant to encapsulate the best selection of fruit from our estates in a structured and complex fashion. 2021 is the first vintage to include some fruit from our founding estate in Los Alamos, Rancho La Cuna Vineyard. Knox exhibits a refined profile with notes of ripe strawberry, delicate black tea, hints of lilac, and notes of hibiscus. Passion fruit floral components add a graceful touch. The palate experience is enduring, as the once prominent tannins from wood components have now evolved into a silky texture, promising further integration and refinement with time.

2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard

Bien Nacido Vineyard has been at the heart of Au Bon Climat since the early 1990s. Our deep connection to this historic vineyard includes custom blocks and on-site production, giving us unmatched access to its world-class fruit. From this renowned vineyard, this vintage is marked with aromas of strawberry and dragonfruit, accented by brandy-soaked fruitcake. On the palate, cranberry and blackberry mingle with sage and black pepper, embodying Pinot Noir’s hallmark tension—elegant yet bold, refined yet expressive.

2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Rancho La Cuna

Pinot Noir from Los Alamos balances vibrancy and complexity, where aromas of cranberry, dried cherry, and lilac blend seamlessly with flavors of cola and licorice. A well-structured wine with a textured mouthfeel, it reveals subtle notes of orange zest and flint, leading to a finish enriched by grippy oak tannins. Crafted from the estate fruit of the Rancho La Cuna Vineyard in Santa Barbara County, this wine promises a layered, contemplative experience.

2021 Au Bon Climat “Larmes de Grappe” Pinot Noir

Our 2021 Larmes de Grappe Pinot Noir has been named one of Decanter’s Top Ten American Wines of 2024, earning an outstanding 98 points.

Perfumed floral, spice and savory notes emerge from beneath fruit that suggests red cherry, plum, rose petal, mint and blood orange. It is a well-structured, complex red that is also silky, and elegant. 100% whole cluster fermentation and 20 months age in new François Frères French oak 350-liter barrels helped to build this outstanding Pinot.

This special wine is included in the upcoming shipments for our 6- and 12-bottle members. We encourage members to stock up while it’s available, especially our 3-bottle members who will not automatically receive it in their allocation. Quantities are extremely limited, and this is a vintage destined to become a collector’s favorite.

FALL PICK UP PARTY

Join us Sunday, November 9th, at the Tasting Room for our annual Fall Pick-Up Party! Celebrate the season with delicious wines, hearty bites, and great company.

This year, Oak and Fire BBQ will be serving up their signature Tri-Tip Sandwiches, sweet corn on the cob, and creamy mac & cheese, all included with your ticket. Meanwhile, we’ll pour a curated selection of special wines from our cellar:

  • 2022 Chardonnay, Nuits-Blanches au Bouge
  • 2005 White Blend, Hildegard 1.5L
  • 2018 Pinot Noir, Les Révélés
  • 2022 Pinot Noir, Isabelle
  • 2015 Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander 1.5L
  • BONUS POUR: 2021 Wild Boy Chardonnay, available only at the Tasting Room.

Event Details:

  • Two Sessions: 12:00–2:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM
  • $20 per person – Members may bring friends (up to 6 tickets per member)

Exclusive, One-Day-Only Member Perks (In Person Only):

  • 3-Bottle Members: 25% off wines & merch
  • 6-Bottle Members: 30% off wines & merch
  • 12-Bottle Members: 35% off wines & merch

ABC AFTER HOURS

Don’t Miss the Last ABC After Hours of the Year!

The year is flying by, and there are only two chances left to join our monthly ABC After Hours series! Enjoy an evening of great wines, light bites, and good company from 5:30–7:00 PM.

  • November 28th: Celebrate the season with 2005 Magnums – a perfect start to your holiday festivities.
  • December 19th: Blue Series Pairing with Marley Confections – a decadent ending to the year.

Spots are limited, make sure to RSVP and toast with us before the year ends!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

NEW SHIPPING for 12-Bottle Members!

We’re excited to share some great news for our 12 bottle wine club members! After working closely with our shipping partners to negotiate better rates, we’re now able to offer a $25 flat-rate shipping on all club orders for our 12 bottle tier.

This change reflects our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional value to our most dedicated members. Whether you’re in California or across the country, you’ll now enjoy predictable, affordable shipping on every club shipment.

We’re grateful for the loyalty of our wine club family, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance your experience with Au Bon Climat. Here’s to many more years of sharing our passion for world-class wines with you!

Questions about your membership? Reach out to our wine club team anytime. wineclub@aubonclimat.com or call (805) 883-8165

HOLIDAY BUNDLES COMING SOON

Au Bon Climat's Candy Cane Wine Gift Set - a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine in front of the fireplace and the Christmas tree

The season of giving is upon us, and Au Bon Climat’s holiday gift sets are the perfect way to share the joy of exceptional wine. Thoughtfully curated and beautifully packaged, these limited offerings will be available soon — just in time for holiday gifting.

Images from Harvest 2025

Potato & Celery Root Gratin

Published

A lesson in French comfort, this Potato and Celery Gratin transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Silky, savory, and deeply satisfying–layered with tender vegetables, cream, and a hint of nutmeg. Recipe provided by GM, Michael Melusky.

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 Russet Potatoes, peeled
  • 1 -2 celery roots depending on size
  • 3 tablespoons of butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock, warmed
  • 3 cups half/half or heavy cream, warmed
  • 2 cups of shredded Gruyere Cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper on hand)

Procedure:

Here are the basic steps… you will need to adjust ingredients depending on size of pan.  The recipe is for a standard 9×13 baking dish.

  1. Peel and thinly slice 4 to 6 russet potatoes. Rinse them in cold water and drain.
  2. Celery roots are ugly and can be intimidating, I think they look like a plant out of Harry Potter.  Use a chef’s knife to trim off the roots at the bottom and peel the sides.  I keep the top on, so I have something to hold on to as I slice.  If the Celery roots are large I split it down the middle.
  3. Using a mandolin or paddle slicer, thinly slice the celery root. 
  4. Apply non stick spray or butter to a baking dish.  Alternate layers of potatoes and celery root. 
  5. Warm up chicken stock and  half and half or heavy cream separately in the microwave.
  6. To make the cream sauce.  Melt butter in a sauce pan; once it’s melted add  flour, whisk together until flour and butter are incorporated, this is a roux.  Slowly add chicken stock to roux and whisk together, should look like a thick paste.  Begin adding half and half or cream one cup at a time and continue to whisk together.  Let it thicken and warm up for a few minutes, whisking occasionally.  Do not let it boil.  Add cheese to cream sauce.  Use Gruyere as a base but if you add other cheeses, they can deepen the flavor.  Whisk until cheese melts and blends into white sauce. 
  7. Grate some nutmeg and white pepper into the sauce and/or add some fresh thyme leaves. Salt to taste
  8. Pour the sauce over layered vegetables in baking dish.  Jiggle the dish to make sure the sauce filters down through all the layers.  If you have extra cheese you can sprinkle on top.
  9. You can cover and refrigerate for a couple hours at this point.  Let it get to room temp before baking. 
  10. Cook for an hour in a 350-degree oven.  I cover for the first half hour and then uncover for last 15 to 30 min.  Depending on how full you made the dish you may want to bake with a cookie sheet under it.  Can bubble over. Slide a paring knife into middle of dish to see if potatoes are cooked and dish is hot.

Suggested Pairing: 2024 Clendenen Family Vineyards Chenin Blanc

Wine Pairing Notes

A Loire Valley classic, found a new home when Jim Clendenen planted Chenin Blanc at Rancho La Cuna in 2015. This vintage is remarkably expressive, with aromas of lemongrass, honeysuckle, green mango, and white currant. On the palate, bright green apple leads, framed by jasmine and lemon madeleine. Lean acidity gives way to a silky finish from sur lie aging.

2023 Bien Nacido Historic Vineyard Pinot Noir

Published

Au Bon Climat and Bien Nacido Vineyard have shared a symbiotic relationship for decades. Our winery is located on the vineyard, and Bien Nacido has long been our primary source for grapes. The vineyard’s reputation as a world-class site was cemented when our 1990 La Bauge Pinot Noir earned a 93-point score. 

In the wake of the movie Sideways, which triggered an explosion of Pinot Noir plantings on the Central Coast, founder Jim Clendenen established the Historic Vineyard Collection. This initiative was created to honor and highlight the foundational vineyards that originally brought credibility to Santa Barbara County wines. As a result, the collection featured vineyard-designated bottlings of both Bien Nacido Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

The 2023 Bien Nacido Historic Vineyard Pinot Noir is a delicious wine, sourced from Block 3. Planted in 1996, Block 3 is one of the oldest remaining Pinot Noir blocks, providing the fruit with exceptional “Old Vine” character. The Pommard clone, introduced from Burgundy in the 1950s, yields a wine of great depth and structure. This wine is beautifully balanced with elegant aromas of spice and herbs and a vibrant acidity, ensuring the wine’s remarkable age-worthiness.

Jim Adelman Says Adieu to Au Bon Climat

Published

Save the Date: Saturday, March 21st, at the Winery, food & wine, featuring Jim’s favorite vintages

RSVP HERE: Join us for the party

While Jim Clendenen was the “Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat, Jim Adelman was “The Guy” who made it all happen, guiding the winemaking team to execute Clendenen’s vision. His title of General Manager and Winemaker barely scratches the surface of his impact on the winery over 34 years. He managed vital grower relationships, coordinated harvests, secured bottling supplies, and oversaw winemaking. Adelman was also a key partner in blending cuvées with Clendenen and was the voice of reason in a dynamic, creative environment. Beyond the cellar, he tackled everything from repairing the wastewater pond to upgrading equipment, training staff, and entertaining guests, customers, and press when Clendenen was away.

After Clendenen’s sudden and untimely death in 2021, Adelman postponed his own retirement plans. For the past four years, he has taken a more prominent role, traveling internationally to represent the brand and mentoring the new winemaking team. That team, which includes Enrique Rodriguez, Marc Piro, Sarah Attwood, and Clendenen’s son Knox Clendenen, is now fully in place to carry the legacy forward.

Adelman officially retires at the end of December, but he won’t be gone entirely. In February, he will represent Au Bon Climat at Wine Paris. The winery will also host a grand farewell party in his honor on Saturday, March 21st, at the winery. The celebration will be a tribute to his illustrious career and his essential contributions to Au Bon Climat’s success. All are welcome, including Jim’s family, friends, members of the local wine industry, and members of the Au Bon Climat Wine Club. Fashioned after the winery’s legendary open houses, the event will feature a lunch alongside a selection of Adelman’s favorite wines from his career. And, true to Adelman’s playful spirit, there will also be a bargain table featuring a few of his well-meaning “missteps.”

Please help us say thank you to Jim Adelman for his dedication to creating high quality wine at Au Bon Climat and to wish him well on his next journey in life.

Save the Date: Saturday, March 21st, at the Winery, food & wine, featuring Jim’s favorite vintages

Harvest Recap 2025 from Au Bon Climat

Published

A RECAP FROM Isabelle Clendenen

With Harvest coming to a close, it is nice to reflect on the season for Au Bon Climat and Clendenen Family. The first grapes of the season were Pinot Gris on August 25th. The next day Pinot Noir from Lalapanzi vineyard came in to kick off the reds. The last grapes are as of writing this yet to be picked, but they are looking to be in by the end of the week of October 12th. While the harvest was on the early side this year, we were lucky to avoid any crazy heat spikes that often can cause a bunch of fruit to come in at one time. The weather also allowed consistency for sugar and acid numbers from sampling to picking. Look forward to the shining bright acidity this vintage. 

Due to preparation for the changing of the guard next year, we saw different people stepping into new roles. Knox in particular really stepped it up this year by working harvest 7 days a week, most weeks. It was amazing to see how seamless the team has become. When asked to describe harvest in one word I was told “balanced” by Sarah, “clean” by Knox, “delicious” by Jim, “easy” by Enrique, and “manageable” by Marc. Lastly, for my harvest experience, I’ve been working on something fun that I’m excited about and looking forward to sharing with you when everything is finalized.

Celebrating Press & Pouring Praise

Published

A Recognition of Excellence: “2021 Larmes de Grappe Pinot Noir” Named Among America’s Best

We’re thrilled to share that Au Bon Climat has been honored in Decanter’s Top Ten American Wines of 2024 — a remarkable acknowledgment of our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, patience, and tradition.

The 2021 Sta. Rita Hills “Larmes de Grappe” Pinot Noir earned an outstanding 98 points, placing it #10 among over 3,000 American wines reviewed by Decanter this year.

As Decanter notes:

“Au Bon Climat’s ‘Larmes de Grappe’ Pinot Noir is not made in every vintage. Production depends on simultaneous ripeness level at harvest and lignification of grape stems, which are then whole cluster fermented and aged for 20 months in new French oak. This lengthy process ultimately enhances the depth and complexity of the finished wine, creating a compelling and layered result. The 2021 “Larmes de Grappe”, is sourced from Sanford & Benedict vineyard and brimming with juicy primary red fruit and holiday spice. White sage, cranberry chutney and blood orange zest fill the palate, followed by deeper red tones of raspberry, plum and rose petal florals. Woody spice notes compliment a solid structural backbone with firm tannin and racy acidity. This wine ends with a long, elegant finish, indicating the promise of continued flavour development several years down the road—cellar at least five years for enhanced complexity and further tannin integration.”

A rare bottling, a true collector’s gem.
Produced only in select vintages, Larmes de Grappe represents the pinnacle of Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir — expressive, complex, and built to evolve beautifully over time.

We’ve saved this wine for our members, first…
This special wine is included in the upcoming shipments for our 6 and 12-bottle members. We encourage members to stock up while it’s available, especially our 3-bottle members who will not automatically receive it in their allocation. Quantities are extremely limited, and this is a vintage destined to become a collector’s favorite. Available to members first, add the 2021 Larmes de Grappe to your cellar before it’s gone here…

September 2025 Wine Club Newsletter

Published

The Latest from Au Bon Climat

Scroll through for the latest news and updates from Au Bon Climat and as always, find the tasting notes and details for the wines featured in your September Wine Club Shipment below!

Click THE IMAGES BELOW to view our featured content & SCROLL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB SHIPMENT…
Garden Tomato & Peach Panzanella with Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
COMING SOON:
Dr. Gonzales Riesling

SEPTEMBER add-on specials…

WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE ADD ONS

Customize your wine club shipment and take advantage of flat rate shipping with our exclusive add on offers, unique to each wine club. Click the image below to customize…

Mark your calendars: Deadline to add on is September 1st, 4PM

ADD-ON DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 1ST AT 4PM PST

How to add wines to your shipment:

1. Sign into your membership profile–click here

2. Select “Edit Wines” in the upper right corner of your membership profile

3. Choose your desired wines or bundle

4. Click ‘Save Selection’ at the top

5. View total breakdown including shipping discount under ‘TOTAL’

If you would like to add on wines not featured in your club portal, please contact us. Email wineclub@aubonclimat.com or call 805-883-8165.

Included in this Shipment…

2023 Au Bon Climat Los Alamos Chardonnay

A wine of patience and promise, this vintage is now entering its prime drinking window, rewarding collectors who understood its aging potential of 10-12+ years. Experience a masterful expression of Santa Barbara terroir that has gracefully evolved into something truly charming and open-knit.

2024 Au Bon Climat Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc

Bright and layered, this mineral-driven  blend offers aromas of green apple, pear, and apricot. Crisp lemon-lime flavors and subtle sandstone minerality bring freshness, while a supple texture and classic acidity create a balanced, elegant finish. Dry, flavorful, and immensely drinkable, it’s a white wine that’s both approachable and refined.

2024 Au Bon Climat Aligoté

Aligoté is back: The reprobate grape of burgundy has made its way back to the Au Bon Climat winery. After a short hiatus, we are excited to announce the return of Aligoté to the Clendenen Family lineup.

2022 Au Bon Climat Kick On Pinot Noir

Sourced from the esteemed Kick On Vineyard, this Pinot Noir reflects the unique balance of warm days and cool nights in Los Alamos Valley. A striking nose of alpine strawberry, guava, and prickly pear leads into a layered palate of tart cherry, masala spice, and fresh-cut cedar. Aged for 24 months in French oak, this single-vineyard wine offers remarkable depth, structure, and elegance.

2021 Barham Mendelsohn Pinot Noir

This vintage of Barham Mendelsohn Pinot Noir is a captivating blend of cured pine and dark marionberry, gracefully unfolding into notes of cranberry tart, allspice, and cream. Crafted with meticulous care, the vineyard at Lala Panzi undergoes stringent canopy management, manual tilling, and precise ripening assessment, ensuring optimal fruit quality. Aged for 24 months in 33% new François Frères French oak barrels, this medium-plus-bodied wine promises a memorable tasting experience and further aging potential.

2020 Clendenen Family Vineyards Syrah/Viognier

Our Rancho La Cuna Syrah/Viognier is a testament to the art of co-fermentation. Our Syrah and Viognier intertwine, reminiscent of Rhône techniques, resulting in a supple, dense Syrah. Delicate and light-styled, it boasts layers of tea leaf, plum, and sassafras, with notes of blueberry, allspice, and nutmeg, balanced by juicy acidity and lingering oak tannins.

2022 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir

A wine that reflects over four decades of history, this Pinot Noir is complex and layered, yet never overpowering. From our first purchase of grapes from Michael Benedict in the 1980s, we’ve crafted a relationship with this vineyard. The wine opens with vibrant aromas of blood orange, green mango, cranberry, and rhubarb pie, while its juicy acidity and firm tannins promise excellent aging potential. A long, structured finish with hints of mahogany, spiced tea, and clove showcases the signature Sanford & Benedict backbone we cherish in every bottle.

EXCITING EVENTS COMING TO THE TASTING ROOM…

AU BON CLIMAT EVENTS CALENDAR

We’ve got an exciting lineup to carry us from late summer into fall! Join us for ABC After Hours, special themed tastings with great wine and great company- happening monthly. Don’t miss the final Summer DJ Series on September 7th, featuring Soul Selection Vinyl spinning from 2–6 PM – it’s the perfect summer send-off. We’re also thrilled to welcome BreadTrip on September 6th for a delicious sandwich pop-up (follow them on IG @breadtrip.vta- they sell out fast!). And mark your calendar for a spooky good time at our Halloween Blind Tasting on October 31st– costumes encouraged! 

  • Aug 29: ABC After Hours – Talley Vineyard | 5:30–7 PM
  • Sept 6: BreadTrip Sandwich Pop-Up | 1 PM until sold out
  • Sept 7: Final Summer DJ Series – Soul Selection Vinyl | 2–6 PM
  • Sept 26: ABC After Hours – Nebbiolo Night | 5:30–7 PM
  • Oct 31: ABC After Hours – Halloween Blind Tasting | 5:30–7 PM
  • SAVE THE DATE! NOVEMBER PICK UP PARTY!

ABC After-Hours: August

Don’t miss a wonderful evening exploring the excellence of the Talley Vineyards. Taste two iconic varietals from a standout site.

Since its inception in 1991, Talley Vineyards Pinot has showcased exceptional quality and remains one of our premier vineyard sources. Join us to learn more about what makes Talley Vineyards so remarkable, as well as enjoy an exceptional flight of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Tasting lineup, Talley Vineyards:
2002 Chardonnay, Talley Rincon
2009 Pinot Noir, Talley Rosemary
2013 Pinot Noir, Talley Rincon (Magnum)

RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

Dr. Gonzales Riesling

Published

COMING IN NOVEMBER

Everyone at the winery has the opportunity to try many different wines at our daily staff lunch.  We make a lot of Asian food, so we drink a lot of Riesling. Our cellar worker Miguel Gonzales, who is always smiling, LOVES Mosel-style Riesling. The opportunity to buy some terrific Riesling grapes presented itself, and we had not made a Riesling in a few years.

Miguel was involved in the entire process of making this wine.  From vineyard visits to crushing and fermenting and finally bottling, Miguel put his mark on this wine.  “Dr. Gonzales” is quite proud of how it turned out. “Dr. Gonzales Riesling” features a beautiful blend of tart acidity and chalky minerality, reminiscent of an off-dry Riesling. Look forward to it becoming available in November.