Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Los Alamos Vineyard Chardonnay 2018 (2nd Tasting)

Synopsis, Our Opinion: A rich and savory California Chardonnay with
a captivating freshness.

Producer/Winery: Jim Clendenen; Au Bon Climat; Santa Barbara, California.

Grape Variety: Chardonnay.

Geographic Appellation,, Region, Country: Los Alamos Vineyard; Santa Barbara County; Central Coast, California.

Vintage: 2018

Price: $20.00 (with a club discount)

Purchased From: Au Bon Climat Tasting Room, Santa Barbra, California.

Paired With: Smoked ham and broccoli quiche.

Tasting:

Note: We are writing a second tasting review of this wine because we thought the 2018 vintage was significantly better than the 2015 (see: Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Los Alamos Vineyard Chardonnay 2015).

Chilled before drinking. Clear, wheat straw color. Light vanilla, pear and hints of apricot aromas that stayed through the last sip of the last pour. Fresh and lively mouthfeel, medium body and 150-grit texture. Focused flavors of pear, ripe apple and citrus with ephemeral pineapple and chalky tastes. Wonderful crisp acidity and a long tart finish that was spicy and rich tasting. Fantastic paired with the quiche and very refreshing sipping without food. We called it a rich and savory California Chardonnay with a captivating freshness.