An American Icon

"If a wine can smell like white chocolate, we're on to something good"

This is Alaska. Currently working here gives me a chance to take a plunge into great American wines. Being a huge fan, it's not often I have such a wide and varied selection to taste from. In this first round I'm looking at Chardonnays. The common American palette caters to heavily oaked and bold fruited wines. They tend to lack acidity for balance and freshness. But in recent years things have changed. More and more producers are adjusting techniques and working differenty in the vineyards. And this is good news for us. 

My wine of the week is the 2016 Chardonnay from winemaker Jim Clendenen at Au Bon Climat. Since 1982 they've made true artisan wines and winning prices all over the world. Located in Santa Barbara they make wines as a homage to Burgundy.

It's a small investment, but this is a Chardonnay unlike any other. I mean, it smells of white chocolate :)

Tasting notes

​Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2016 - 315kr

Brilliant yellow colour. 
Appealing smell of fresh butter, yellow plums, zesty lemon, spices and delicious white chocolate.
Rich and smooth in the mouth with elegant flavours of lemon, bourbon vanilla and ripe peach.
Long and delicious aftertaste with superb acidity. 
An icon of a Chardonnay!

With food
Try it with a creamy fish soup, halibut in butter sauce or a pasta vongole. 
Will also handle a pulled pork dish or chicken in creamy sauce.