2021 Au Bon Climat Hildegard White

 Great white for spring and summer!

2021 Au Bon Climat "Hildegard" White Blend...$38.99/750ml

Chardonnay was not always planted in the Corton Charlemagne wine region of France. During the reign of King Charlemagne it is believed Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté were the main white varietals. This intrigued Jim Clendenen to a degree that In 1998 Au Bon Climat created its first Hildegard blend, named after Charlemagne's wife. A success from the start, we never stopped.

The name Hildegard is a salute to the history of Burgundy and to her husband the King of the Franks, Charlemagne. During his rule in the early 800s the importance of wine and viticulture exploded. The Catholic Church and Charlemagne ruled most of Europe and both were interested in wine and viticulture. The Church needed wine for the Eucharist and under Charlemagne more and more vineyards were planted in Burgundy. Charlemagne brought civilization and order back after the dark ages. Part of this rebirth was wine production.

The 2021 White Hildegard Estate is fabulous. The blend of Pinot Gis, Pinot Blanc, and Aligote work so well here. Citrus confit, white flowers, apricot, chamomile, and lightly honeyed notes all grace this wonderfully expressive edition of Hildegard. There is a touch of reduction on the finish, but it is more nuanced than dominant. This is a fine edition of Hildegard.
Rated 94/100 Vinous Media

This blend of 50% Pinot Gris, 45% Pinot Blanc and 5% Aligote was inspired by the ancient wines of Burgundy before Chardonnay took over. It is one of the most exciting whites to come out of the Central Coast every year. This vintage offers aromas of salted cashew, sharp lemon peel and sawdust on the nose. The toasty palate combines hazelnut and brioche with a fine line of creamy lemon and brisk grapefruit zest.
Rated 94/100 Wine Enthusiast

Stone fruits, toasty oak, citrus blossom, and a kiss of honeyed spice all emerge from the 2021 Hildegard Estate White Blend, a beautifully textured, layered, elegant white that tastes like a great White Burgundy. Based on 50% Pinot Gris, 45% Pinot Blanc, and the rest Aligoté, it's going to shine for at least 4-5 years, and I suspect even longer.
Rated 93/100 Jeb Dunnuck