Professional reviews
Jancis Robinson (17.50)
Much more sophisticated than their Wild Boy, laced with steely, almost rusty reductive notes on the nose. Tangy green fruit on the palate, toasted bread and charcoal on the palate with a long, mealy finish. Perhaps just a little low in acidity on the finish, but it’s completely forgivable as an authentic West Coast resident – but I’d drink this now, rather than keeping it. (RH)
Vinous (95)
The 2016 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard - 31st Vintage is a bottling from the second of the two picks Jim Clendenen did at S&B. Bright, fresh and translucent, the 2016 is remarkably refined for such a rich wine. Orchard fruit, citrus and floral notes take on uncanny shades of dimension in this positively stunning Chardonnay from Au Bon Climat. The 2016 saw 100% new oak, all 350-liter barrels.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
From a cool site on the southern side of the Sta. Rita Hills, the 2016 Chardonnay 31st Vintage Celebration Sanford & Benedict is another wine that has plenty of salty, seaside-like nuances as well as Burgundian-like orchard fruits, toasted spice, brioche, and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. This fleshy, medium to full-bodied, balanced effort has bright acidity, the seamless, approachable texture that's the hallmark of the 2016 vintage, and a great finish. It's still youthful and should drink nicely for at least a decade. This is another fine set of releases from Jim Clendenen's Au Bon Climat. I always find a certain Burgundian style here, and in general, these wines benefit from bottle age and evolve beautifully.
BOW (8.50)
Wine Enthusiast (92)
This is winemaker Jim Clendenen's take on the region's most important vineyard. It is light in the glass yet with savory aromas of chalk, butter, hazelnut and sandalwood. Rounded flavors of lemon, honeydew and orange cream lead into a caramelized finish. Matt Kettmann
