Chardonnay 31st Vintage Sanford and Benedict Vineyard 2016 Au Bon Climat

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.

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