James Suckling – May 2026 – “Sonoma’s Chardonnay Stunners”

The two 100-point wines from Aubert show the depth and precision possible in the 2024 vintage. James likened the Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard chardonnay to a top Corton-Charlemagne for its density, intensity and oily, honeyed dried-apple character. The Lauren Estate bottling was slightly less deep and powerful but showed some of the most beautiful aromas James has encountered recently in a white wine. Aubert released another seven 2024 chardonnays that are also worth seeking out. His 2024 pinot noirs are equally compelling.

2024 Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

So much citrus oil, rainwater, honeysuckle and hints of cooked apple on the nose follow through to a medium body with balance and density and a briny finish. Tight and layered. Crunchy. Crushed stone character. Hints of smoke. Drink or hold.

2024 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 99 Points

Amazing aromas of ginger, honeysuckle and pear with hints of flint. Jasmine. Full-bodied yet linear and bright with complex flavors of fresh apple, honey and white flowers. Just a hint of vanilla. Pretty mind blowing. Dried citrus at the end. Asian fruit. Drink or hold.

2024 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard Carneros
Score: 96 Points

Intense aromas of candle wax, dried apple, pear, flint and light matchstick follow through to a full-bodied wine with density and oiliness. Lovely softness and length. Just a hint of cooked apples and lemon rind with a creamy texture at the end. Drink or hold.

2024 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 100 Points

An intensity of citrus like lime and ginger with hints of hazelnut on both the nose and palate. Brioche as well. Medium-bodied with a light oiliness. Hints of honey and spice. So complex. Incredible depth and intensity. Like a top Corton-Charlemagne. Drink or hold.

2024 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 100 Points

Incredible aromas of a beautiful flower shop with mostly lilacs and white orchids. Hints of honey. Medium- to full-bodied with incredible purity and depth of fruit, featuring apple, lime, light flint and citrus at the end. One of the most beautiful aromas I have encountered in a white wine. A must buy if you can find it to understand the greatness of American chardonnay. Drink or hold.

2024 Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

Sliced apple and pear with some vanilla and cream, smoke, flint and ginger with hints of toasted oak. Medium-bodied with so much lemon and salt. Linear and flavorful. Drink or hold.

2024 Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

Perfumed aromas with an almost flower shop nuance to this white. Jasmine. Brioche. Hints of smoke. Medium-bodied with dried apple and pear with slices of citrus and white peach. Extremely long and tensioned. Spicy. Incredibly nuanced. Drink or hold.

2024 Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley
Score: 98 Points

Aromas of dried apple, dried lemon and hints of smoke and flint. It’s full-bodied and layered with a creamy finish. Impressive depth and intensity. Classic Sugar Shack. Drink or hold.

2024 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

The density and layers to this are impressive with a full body and an oily, complex palate. Gunpowder and white pepper at the end. It pulls together at the finish into greatness. Drink or hold.

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2024 Pinot Noir CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

Extremely floral and perfumed with strawberry and tangerine. Plenty of pine, spice and hibiscus. Medium-bodied with density, richness and depth, but also a polished firmness that gives the wine length and precision. Drink or hold.

2024 Pinot Noir Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95 Points

Impressive depth of fruit here with black cherry, ripe strawberry and hints of chocolate. Some coffee. Sandalwood. Medium- to full-bodied, creamy and medium round tannins with a velvety texture and a caressing finish. Drink or hold.

2024 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 98 Points

Aromas of dried strawberry, hay, red brick and subtle vanilla with some orange peel. Medium-bodied with integrated tannins and a firm yet caressing texture. Very curated and precise. Terracotta and dusty texture. Drink or hold.

2024 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

The purity of fruit in this is spectacular with dark strawberry, dark cherry, flint and blood orange. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit yet so refined and polished. It literally melts in your mouth. The aftertaste is very umami with hints of dried flowers and red wood. Terrific. Drink or hold