Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat, Santa Barbara, California, USA 2019

The 2019 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is a beautiful example of the Au Bon Climat style. The flinty, stony aromas stand out, while in the background is an intriguing spice note of clove and nutmeg from surlee barrel aging in somewhat neutral, Francois Freres barrels for 10 months. Flavors and aromas of citrus and stone fruit, are finished with a beautiful lemon/lime zest note. This wine is intense, but light on its feet and is built to compliment food, not over power food.