Au Bon Climat Chardonnay 2023/24, Santa Barbara County

Jim Clendenen was a true pioneer. He contradicted assumptions that all Californian wines are ripe and fruity since 1982, when his were some of the very few Santa Barbara vineyards. He specialised in creating highly-acclaimed Burgundy-style wines from traditionally Burgundian grape varieties. This Chardonnay is a real Majestic classic. It's made from grapes hand-picked from 25-year-old vines and aged in French oak. As a result, there's subtle notes of vanilla and sweet spice that join flavours of lemon and lime. Try it with mushroom pasta.