Au Bon Climat Hildegard 2020, California

Au Bon Climat’s “Hildegard” is a recreation of the original varietal planting of the Corton Charlemagne vineyard in 800 A.D. Chardonnay was not part of the mix at the time, but rather Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté.
The combination of this unique blend with long term barrel aging (2 years) made something special. It has a texture, complexity, and distinctiveness that cannot be found in a single white wine varietal.
Hand harvested, whole cluster pressed and put into barrel to ferment. The 3 varietals age separate for 2 years in 100% new François Frères French oak barrels.
Lovely aroma of vanilla and hazelnuts from the oak, and a mouth-coating richness, makes for a wine that seems like Chardonnay. But the fruit profile is more bruised apple and pear, and the aromas are more floral than Chardonnay. Minerally lavender and vanilla note from the fermentation/aging regime in top-notch barrels. Aromas of ripe stone fruit, contrast nicely with fresh herbal scent as the wine is initially evaluated.