Jim Adelman Archives - Au Bon Climat Winery

February 2026 Wine Club Newsletter

Published January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

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 February Wine Club Shipment below!

Click THE IMAGES BELOW to view our featured content & SCROLL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR FEBRUARY WINE CLUB SHIPMENT…

**Jim Adelman Says Adieu to Au Bon Climat**

Jim Adelman’s Grand Farewell

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE JIM ADELMAN’S RETIREMENT

For over 34 years, Jim Adelman was the steady hand behind Au Bon Climat, helping turn Jim Clendenen’s vision into reality and guiding everything from harvest to blending to mentoring generations of winemakers. After Jim’s passing in 2021, Adelman postponed retirement to help pass the torch and ensure the legacy carried forward. Now, as he officially retires, it’s time to celebrate him.

Adelman personally combed through the cellar to choose his favorite wines for the day. The celebration will be family-style gather, eat well, drink generously, laugh often, and share stories while toasting Jim with his hand-selected bottles.There will also be a playful “bargain table” featuring Barham Mendelsohn library wines and other special deals, including a few of his most memorable (and lovable) wine “missteps” to take home.

We’re expecting a crowd, so please don’t be late. Please note: no children or dogs are allowed, as this is a working winery with heavy machinery.

RSVP HERE: JOIN US FOR THE PARTY

Au Bon Climat Winery | 4665 Santa Maria Mesa Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454

FEBRUARY add-on specials

WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE ADD ONS

Enhance your February club shipment with three thoughtfully curated add-on opportunities: a limited-release Isabelle Pinot Noir duo, or a Chardonnay trio and a Pinot Noir trio showcasing each of our historic vineyard sites. Click here to add these exclusive bottles to your shipment…

Mark your calendars: Deadline to add on is February 6th, 4PM

library isabelle duo

A rare two-bottle library release of Isabelle Pinot Noir from the 2011 and 2012 vintages. Drawn from select barrels across top vineyards, this set highlights the elegance, depth, and graceful aging of a long-standing classic.

Regularly $200, SALE $185 + Wine Club Discounts

2011 Pinot Noir Isabelle
2012 Pinot Noir Isabelle

Single Vineyard Chardonnay Bundle

This three-bottle February add-on showcases Chardonnays from Sanford & Benedict, Bien Nacido, and Los Alamos. Each wine reflects its vineyard’s unique character, offering a focused look at the sites that define Au Bon Climat’s Chardonnay legacy.

Regularly $135, SALE $125 + Wine Club Discounts

2022 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict
2022 Chardonnay Bien Nacido
2023 Chardonnay Los Alamos

Single Vineyard PINOT NOIR Bundle

A February Pinot Noir add-on featuring three standout vineyards: Sanford & Benedict, Bien Nacido, and Los Alamos. This bundle celebrates the distinct personalities of these iconic sites and why they remain perennial favorites among ABC fans.

Regularly $140, SALE $130 + Wine Club Discounts

2022 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict
2023 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido
2022 Pinot Noir Los Alamos

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 february 6th 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

2023 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay “Nuits-Blanches au Bouge”

First crafted in 1996, “Nuits” was Jim Clendenen’s way of “showing off” the exceptional Chardonnay from Bien Nacido Vineyard. Picked later, sorted with care, and aged longer in barrel, this bottling stands apart for its richness and depth. Aromas of caramelized oak, toasted pine nut, and salted butterscotch give way to delicate notes of orange blossom, coriander seed, and lemon curd. On the palate, vibrant citrus and structured acidity frame the wine’s fuller texture, with hints of grapefruit and caramel apple promising even greater complexity with age.

2024 Clendenen Family Vineyards Pinot Gris

Our Pinot Gris takes inspiration from the classic Alsatian style, meant to be dry, crisp, and undeniably food-friendly. Bright aromas of tart candies and white peach lead into a refreshing palate layered with gooseberry, crisp apple, and a touch of chili-lime. Sourced from the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, this wine balances lively acidity with a subtle richness from neutral oak aging. The result is a zesty, versatile Pinot Gris with both energy and elegance, perfect at the table or on its own.

2023 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Bien Nacido

Bien Nacido Vineyard is a cornerstone of Au Bon Climat’s Burgundian-inspired style. One of California’s most renowned cool-climate vineyards, it has supplied our winery with exclusively planted hillside vines for over three decades. This wine reflects the site’s history and richness, offering aromas of white cherry, French vanilla bean, and toasted macadamia nut, with undertones of Meyer lemon and citron. On the palate, vibrant freshness and limestone-driven minerality carry into a refined, lengthy and balanced finish.

2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Isabelle”

Created in 1995 to honor the birth of his daughter, Jim Clendenen envisioned “Isabelle” as the ultimate expression of what a premium Pinot Noir blend could be. Unlike Au Bon Climat’s single-vineyard Pinots, Isabelle is crafted each year from the finest barrels across multiple sites, making every vintage a unique reflection of elegance and balance. Supple aromas of pink peppercorn, white rose, dragon fruit, and raspberry lead into a silky palate layered with raspberry, ambrosia apple, nutmeg, and chamomile. Aged 22 months in 100% new François Frères French oak barrels, Isabelle remains our most refined and delicate Pinot Noir, with timeless potential to age beautifully.

2022 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “La Bauge Au-dessus”

Jim’s dedication to traditional Burgundy winemaking is ever-present in our “party upstairs” wine. It is expressive with abundant botanicals like jasmine, oolong tea leaf, and sage, complemented by the lively aromas of wild strawberry, dried cranberry, and orange zest. On the palate, savor the rich flavors of cherry, nutmeg, and toffee, culminating in a rustic, woodsy finish. Crafted from the hillsides of Bien Nacido Vineyard, this wine embodies the classic Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir with exceptional aromatics and Old World character.

2022 Clendenen Family Vineyards G-15 (Valdiguié)

2022 was a standout vintage for Valdiguié, offering fragrant raspberry, dragonfruit, and bergamot, layered with juicy strawberry and guava blossom, and finishing bright with blood orange zest and dried sage. Low tannins make it delicious now, with the promise of added complexity over time. Long intrigued by new and expressive varieties, Au Bon Climat began working with Valdiguié (also known as Napa Gamay) about a decade ago. This high-acid, vibrant red, traditionally grown in southern France, quickly earned its place in the Clendenen Family lineup. Now called G-15 due to labeling regulations, it remains a fun, expressive, and easy-drinking favorite.

2021 Clendenen Family Vineyards Nebbiolo “Bricco Buon Natale”

Inspired by Jim Clendenen’s lifelong love of Italy, this Old World–styled Nebbiolo is a rare Santa Barbara expression of one of Italy’s most noble grapes. Grown at Bien Nacido Vineyard and aged four years in puncheon, the wine is bright, structured, and deeply complex. Aromas of juniper berry, plum, lilac, and maraschino cherry lead to a palate of dark chocolate–covered blueberry framed by raw, woodsy tannins. A limited, age-worthy release that will continue to evolve beautifully for years to come.

Tasting Room Updates

A view of our Library Wines Wall in our warm and inviting Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Room for Au Bon Climat and Clendenen Family Vineyards

We’re kicking off the new year with updated tasting room hours! The tasting room is now open Wednesday through Monday from 12:00–6:00 PM, with the last tasting at 5:15 PM, and closed on Tuesdays.

On Saturdays and Sundays, we’re also introduced a new Library Tasting Add-On, two rotating library pours that change weekly and can be added to any Classic or Reserve flight. This offer is complimentary for Wine Club members (regularly $20).

As many of you know, ABC After Hours wrapped up in December, closing out an incredible two-year monthly series. While that chapter has come to an end, there’s plenty to look forward to, 2026 will be filled with exciting new events. Stay tuned!

November 2025 Wine Club Newsletter

Published October 22, 2025October 22, 2025

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

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

Jim Adelman Says Adieu to Au Bon Climat

Published October 21, 2025January 21, 2026

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

Celebrate a Special Evening: Winemaker Dinner with Jim Adelman

Published February 4, 2025February 4, 2025

Mark your calendars for a one-of-a-kind evening! On Wednesday, March 13th, we’re excited to host an exclusive Winemaker Dinner at the renowned Bouchon Santa Barbara. As the original “Santa Barbara Wine Country” restaurant, Bouchon is known for its commitment to sourcing the freshest, most local ingredients, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable culinary experience.

This special event, offered exclusively to our Wine Club members, will feature Jim Adelman. Together, we will celebrate our signature blue label wines and the 20th anniversary of Jim Clendenen’s favorite vintage – the exceptional 2005. That’s right – we’ll be pouring wines from this remarkable year for an unforgettable evening.

It’s been some time since we’ve hosted a dinner, and we’re thrilled to share this special occasion with you. Prepare for an intimate gathering of great food, exquisite wines, and wonderful company. Stay tuned – full details and your official invitation will be arriving in your mailboxes soon!

Celebrating the 2005 Vintage

Published February 4, 2025February 4, 2025

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 2005 vintage, considered by many to be the best Pinot Noir vintage of Jim Clendenen’s career.

The 2005 growing season was ideal. Warm spring weather, minimal wind, and a long, even ripening period with cool coastal influence provided perfect conditions. There were no extreme heat spikes during harvest, allowing the grapes to ripen fully and evenly.

While other vintages have been excellent, the 2005 wines showed a unique brightness and freshness in the cellar. This character has endured throughout their aging process, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, well-integrated fruit, and a subtle touch of French oak.

Even if you’re not a fan of aged wines, we encourage you to try a bottle from the 2005 vintage. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a truly exceptional wine and expand your wine knowledge.

Everything Signals a Good Harvest

Published August 10, 2023August 10, 2023

Keeping an eye on harvest 2023

Grapes send clear signals throughout their growing cycle, so far, all of the signals have been strong.

The cold and wet winter was a clear signal to take a break and shut down. Vines need at least 6 weeks of dormancy, which was not a problem this year. The cool early summer has allowed the grapes an easy start to their growing cycle. With average daily temps now hitting 85 degrees the vines and grapes have been signaled to grow. These warm days with our foggy mornings are perfect conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

After many years, our winemaker Jim Adelman can walk the vineyards and pretty accurately predict the yields. His take on the coming harvest is Pinot Noir will be above average in yields while Chardonnay will be a bit below average.

One of the benefits of making wine, is that it never gets dull. Every harvest is a bit different. The 2022 harvest presented lots of challenges for our wine making team. Let’s hope 2023 is a bit easier on them!