Wine Spectator – November 2024

Insider Weekly: California Chardonnay

2022 Aubert Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96

Plush, elegant and generous, with peach, dried apricot and mango puree flavors that have an appealingly fleshy density, showing a touch of lemon drop candy, plus notes of mandarin orange, salted preserved lemon, apple pastry and crème anglaise. A hint of smoked butterscotch lingers. Drink now through 2034. —M.W.

2022 Aubert Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 94

Lush, complex and stylish, with notes of quince, grilled pineapple, peach preserves, lemon blossoms, toasted and salted hazelnut, marmalade, cardamom and preserved ginger, plus a fresh thread of acidity that weaves in and out. Drink now through 2034. —M.W.

2022 Aubert Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 97

Offers a bold mix of power and elegance, displaying generous flavors of mango puree, grilled pineapple, peach cobbler and marmalade, with details of lemon mint, marzipan and wild sage, plus spice notes of nutmeg and cardamom. The vibrant acidity, supple texture and crescendo of flavors on the finish make this a memorable wine. Drink now through 2036. —M.W.

2022 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97

A stylish white, with appealing notes of crystalized ginger and candied orange peel, providing a wonderful density to the texture. Ripe, salted melon, dried mango and peach preserves mingle with notes of green cardamom and allspice, backed by hints of pecan pie and lemon blossoms that linger on the long, fresh and juicy finish. Drink now through 2037. —M.W.

2022 Aubert Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97

A stunning, aromatic mix of lemon curd and roasted, salted hazelnut flavors show a touch of marzipan, along with marmalade, litsea oil and smoked butterscotch. Hints of crisp, buttery shortbread and apple pastry and a fresh thread of acidity keep the flavors in focus, ending with a long, generous finish. Drink now through 2037. —M.W.

2022 Aubert Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97

There’s terrific tension to this white, with powerful, generous flavors and an elegant, wonderfully open-knit texture. Peach cobbler, candied orange peel, clementine and mango flavors are at the core, while details of clove and cinnamon honey, along with toasted brioche with a dab of salted butter, complete the picture on a juicy and creamy frame. Drink now through 2037.—M.W.

2022 Aubert Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley
Score: 96

A rich, bold and mesmerizing Chardonnay, with tangerine, orange blossom and candied ginger notes up front. Nutmeg, cinnamon candy and peach preserves, along with marmalade, honeycomb and toasted sesame seeds, add complexity, creating a long, compelling finish, with a fresh thread of acidity weaving in and out. Drink now through 2035.—M.W.

2022 Aubert Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96

A complex version, offering a rich and aromatic mix of salted caramel, nutmeg and cardamom, along with pear pastry and white peach notes, plus touches of candied fennel seed, lemongrass and candied ginger. The flavors are plump and fleshy, while mouthwatering acidity keeps everything light on its feet. Drink now through 2032. —M.W.