Au Bon Climat and the early years in Los Alamos Valley Au Bon Climat was founded in Santa Barbara County in the early 1980s and has since become a fixture in the California wine world. In 1982, the first Au Bon Climat wine was made in a small barn on the Los Alamos Vineyard property. Although the winery later relocated, the connection to this vineyard has always remained. This long-standing partnership is a key element of Au Bon Climat's identity. Founder Jim Clendenen recognized early on the potential of the cooler parts of the Central Coast for Burgundian grape varieties, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir playing a central role. To this day, Isabella and Knox Clendenen continue this vision, with Jim Adelman as a permanent fixture in the cellar. Au Bon Climat's slogan, "An homage to the wines of Burgundy," sums it up perfectly. This wine comes from the Historic Vineyard collection. This collection originally represented five iconic vineyards that were essential in increasing the recognition of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Central Coast. Today, ABC's Historic Collection includes wines from the Los Alamos, Bien Nacido, Talley, and Sanford & Benedict vineyards. These established vineyards allow for wines of great intensity and character. As the official exclusive importer of Au Bon Climat, we naturally carry these wines. Location and climate of Los Alamos Valley Los Alamos Valley is nestled between the warmer Santa Ynez Valley and the cooler Santa Maria Valley. This location creates a unique microclimate that facilitates both ripeness and freshness. The region has had its own distinct identity for over forty years, but remarkably, it still lacks an official appellation. The vineyards are partly situated on flat soils, but the best grapes come from the higher slopes of the Solomon Hills. Here, constant wind and shallow soils ensure low yields and early ripening. The grapes have to work hard, resulting in concentration, tension, and a clear structure in the wine. Historic Vineyards Collection from Au Bon Climat The Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard is part of Au Bon Climat's Historic Vineyards Collection. This selection honors vineyards that played a key role in the development of Burgundian grape varieties on the California coast. Within this collection, the emphasis is on provenance and recognizability. The wines demonstrate how terroir, climate, and long-standing collaborations converge to create a distinct style. Los Alamos Vineyard holds a special place in this collection due to its historical significance for the winery. Grape variety and composition of the wine The 2022 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard is made from 100% Chardonnay. The focus is on purity and vineyard expression. By using only Chardonnay, the character of the vineyard shines through, without the influence of other varietals. The grapes were harvested on September 10, 2022. Due to the higher altitude and the influence of the wind, the grapes ripen earlier here, but retain their fresh acidity. This forms the basis for the lively style of this wine. Harvest and vinification at Au Bon Climat All the grapes for this Chardonnay were harvested by hand and pressed whole. This method ensures gentle extraction and preserves finesse. After pressing, the juice was transferred to oak barrels for fermentation. The wine underwent both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel. This contributes to the creamy texture and ensures the integration of fruit and oak. During aging, the wine was carefully monitored to maintain the balance between freshness and maturity. Maturation in French oak and sur lie maturation The 2022 Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard was aged for sixteen months on its lees in François Frères French oak barrels. Approximately one-third of the barrels were new. This moderate use of new oak gives the wine structure and depth, without overpowering the vineyard's character. The extended sur lie aging contributes to a full mouthfeel and a soft t