2023 Au Bon Climat Wild Boy Chardonnay

2023 Au Bon Climat Wild Boy Chardonnay is a bright, site-driven California white that reflects Jim Clendenen’s commitment to elegant, Burgundian-inspired winemaking. As part of one of Santa Barbara County’s most respected producers, it offers a polished balance of freshness, texture, and understated richness that makes it especially appealing for Chardonnay lovers seeking finesse over overt oak.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it typically shows a pale golden hue with a lively, clear brightness. The nose is expressive and refined, with notes of citrus blossom, green apple, pear, and subtle stone fruit, often framed by hints of baking spice, almond, and a gentle mineral edge. On the palate, it is crisp and layered, combining juicy orchard fruit with vibrant acidity and a creamy mid-palate. The finish is clean and persistent, with enough structure to suggest good short- to mid-term aging, allowing the wine to gain additional depth and complexity over the next few years.

Production
Au Bon Climat is known for crafting wines from carefully selected California vineyards, with an approach that emphasizes balance, restraint, and terroir expression. For a Chardonnay like Wild Boy, the fruit is typically sourced from cool-climate sites that help preserve acidity and aromatic precision, with harvesting done at optimal ripeness to retain freshness. Vinification generally follows a classic, restrained style, often involving thoughtful barrel use and lees contact to build texture without overwhelming the wine’s natural character.

Food & Serving
This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roast chicken, seared scallops, grilled salmon, creamy pasta dishes, and mild cheeses such as Brie or Comté. Serve chilled, ideally around 10–12°C, and consider brief decanting only if you want to open up the wine’s aromatics after purchase—though it is usually ready to enjoy straight away.

Producer
Founded by Jim Clendenen in Santa Barbara County, Au Bon Climat has earned a strong reputation for producing some of California’s most admired Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a classic, old-world style. The winery is widely regarded as a benchmark producer in the region, known for its consistency, elegance, and influence on the development of cool-climate winemaking in California.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.