Wine Spectator Insider – July 30, 2014 Semi-Annual Report

Issue: Jun 15, 2014

2012 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 95
Designation: Highly Recommended

Delicious from start to lingering finish, this is rich, broad and exotic, with tiers of complexity built around smoke, fig, apricot, citrus peel and bubble gum flavors. Features a silky smooth texture and just the right amount of tannins. Drink now. 825 cases made. –JL

 

Issue: Jul 31, 2014

2012 Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 93

Subtle, with understated smoke, apricot, poached pear and honeysuckle notes. This is full-bodied, elegant and graceful, gliding along on the finish, where the flavors echo ripe fruit and toasty oak. Drink now through 2020. 475 cases made. –JL

2012 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros 
Score: 92

This unfolds slowly, with a beam of lemon-lime citrus, green apple and honeysuckle flavors, and should reward short-term cellaring, showing hints of vanilla and cream on the finish. The greenest of the Auberts. Drink now through 2020. 875 cases made. –JL

2012 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95

Rich and graceful, with layers of anise, fig, apricot, pear and honeydew. This picks up a touch of smoke and hazelnut, ending with a long, sustained finish that reverberates with flavor. Drink now through 2021. 875 cases made. –JL

2012 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard Sonoma Coast 
Score: 94

Pure, rich and lively, with peach, nectarine, smoke and honeydew notes giving this a wealth of core flavors. The aromatics and graceful mix of balance, texture and subtlety give this extra dimensions. Drink now through 2020. 900 cases made. –JL

2012 Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley 
Score: 94

Offers rich, deep, persistent flavors built around ripe apple, fig, honeysuckle and smoky oak notes that fill in the gaps on the finish. A new offering from Aubert. Drink now through 2021. 385 cases made. –JL

2012 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 93

Deep, rich and persistent, with tiers of elegant apricot, fig, pear, nectarine, honeydew and spicy oak. Finishes with a full-blown yet delightfully graceful finish. Drink now through 2020. 825 cases made. –JL