Wine Spectator – July 2024 Issue

California Chardonnay

The Golden State’s signature white (Chardonnay) delivers high quality… This popular white has become one of the most dynamic wines in the state.—MaryAnn Worobiec

2021 Aubert Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95

Toasted wild fennel, lemon blossom, ginger and litsea oil notes offer complexity and harmony to the bold core of melon, citrus, apple and peach flavors. Shows plenty of momentum on the finish, with a fresh thread of acidity keeping everything in focus. Drink now through 2033. —M.W.

2021 Aubert Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 96

Generous, lush and delicious, with flavors of mouthwatering lemon curd, dried pineapple, ripe melon, wildflower honey and salted butterscotch. A fresh, juicy thread of acidity keeps all the flavors in focus, while notes of buttery brioche and fresh marzipan linger in the background. Drink now through 2036. —M.W.

2021 Aubert Chardonnay Larry Hyde and Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 97

Impressive, plush and concentrated, this starts out bright and crisp, with bold and expressive flavors of fresh apple, peach and grilled lemon. Details of orange blossom, nutmeg, apple pastry and tarragon add complexity, with additional hints of peppery white flowers, nougat and milk oolong tea lingering on the epic finish. Drink now through 2033. —M.W.

2021 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 93

Salted butterscotch accents make the apple, citrus and peach flavors pop on this white’s plump and generous frame. Offers a juicy thread of acidity, with details of mango, marzipan and spicy wildflower honey that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2034. —M.W.

2021 Aubert Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96

This stunning white offers a wonderful mix of fleshy grilled peach, mango and lemon curd flavors, with lush acidity and a whiff of minerality, followed by notes of green cardamom, toasted, salted hazelnut and crème brûlée on the long, juicy finish. Drink now through 2032. —M.W.

2021 Aubert Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95

This white is aromatic and well-defined, but also shows a wonderful sense of restraint, offering complex notes of cardamom, nutmeg and ginger that show a touch of crunchy sea salt and a hint of toasted sesame seed, with fruit flavors of melon, citrus, peach and Honeycrisp apple that are fresh and vibrant. All of that complexity really sings harmoniously on the finish. Drink now through 2036.—M.W.

2021 Aubert Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley
Score: 96

A stunning white, with nectarine, pineapple and golden kiwifruit notes bursting out of the glass. Details of lemon curd, candied ginger peel, orange blossoms and salted caramel mingle well with the smooth, supple frame. The flavors are generous and intense, but there’s an equal delicacy and sense of finesse on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2034. —M.W.

2021 Aubert Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 94

Complex, generous and wonderfully stylish, offering a core of candied apple, salted caramel, mouthwatering lemon curd and toasted, buttery brioche flavors. Hints of flint and honeysuckle and a supple, creamy texture linger on the stunning finish. Drink now through 2034. —M.W.