Insider Weekly

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Hot Wines: These are the most exciting discoveries from our editors’ most recent tastings, published exclusively in Wine Spectator Insider. They are high-scoring wines from around the world that may be difficult to find, but are worth seeking out.

2023 Aubert Pinot Noir CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97

This packs in an admirable amount of bright fruit in the form of raspberry, cherry and mulberry notes, while sparkles of anise, sassafras, savory and even rosemary peek in, giving savory, juicy lift and cut. Shows a suave gloss of toast, with more than enough energy and fruit to burn on its youthfully compact but mouthwatering finish. Built to cellar. Best from 2026 through 2040.—J.M.

2023 Aubert Pinot Noir Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96

Densely packed but mouthwatering, with crushed red and black cherry and raspberry fruit, this moves steadily and authoritatively, showing iris, hibiscus and rose petal nuances within the fruit offset beautifully by glossy, apple wood–accented toast along the edges. The bristling energy, buried deeply, should steer this through a decade of cellaring. Best from 2026 through 2038.—J.M.

2023 Aubert Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96

This is beautifully rendered, with youthfully compact notes of raspberry, boysenberry and bitter cherry compote stitched with light accents of briar, warm earth, sassafras, bergamot tea and singed apple wood. Its range and precision are amplified and carried with aplomb by the vintage’s highly pixelated acidity. Gorgeous and built for cellaring. Best from 2026 through 2038.—J.M.

2023 Aubert Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96

This is powerfully rendered, with a deep well of blackberry, black cherry and mulberry reduction notes infused with an inner tension that belies their density. As the fruit forms the prodigious core, mouthwatering accents of anise, black tea and apple wood fill in liberally, adding lift and energy through the finish, which shows remarkable definition. Best from 2027 through 2038.—J.M.

Insider Weekly: Mark Aubert’s World-Class California Chardonnays

Mark Aubert’s mission is to craft California Chardonnays that rival the world’s greatest wines. Mission accomplished. Aubert built his reputation through meticulous vineyard work, low yields and an obsessive focus on quality. His namesake label, founded in 2000 with his wife, Teresa, shows his success across Napa and Sonoma, both with fruit sourced from renowned properties such as Hyde & Sons and from his own estate vineyards. – MaryAnn Worobiec

2023 Aubert Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 98

Epic and aromatic, with hints of flint, dried mango, blood orange puree and lemon cheesecake. The acidity provides an appealing backbone for the supple mix of pear pastry, caramelized brown sugar, peach preserves and lemon verbena. The fresh, energetic finish shows hints of white tea. Drink now through 2040. —M.W.

2023 Aubert Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 97

A stunning white, offering a fragrant and exuberant mix of orange Creamsicle and mango puree, with candied citrus zest, pound cake and marzipan accents. Creamy and lush as the vibrant acidity weaves in and out, with a drizzle of wildflower honey and honeysuckle on the expressive finish. Drink now through 2039. —M.W.

2023 Aubert Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard Carneros
Score: 96

This is absolutely luscious, offering a smooth and silky mix of marzipan, lemon cream and kumquat marmalade. Details of dried pear, wildflower honey, glazed orange peel, and toasted and salted hazelnut gain momentum on the finish, as do touches of lemon basil and vetiver on the finish. Drink now through 2037. —M.W.

2023 Aubert Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 98

Remarkable, powerful and complex, with smoked butterscotch, pear, tangerine, white peach, apricot preserves and dried mango, plus floral accents of honeysuckle and orange blossoms. Notes of pineapple upside-down cake, candied ginger and sweet cream add richness and elegance. The freshness from the acidity amplifies the flavors on the epic finish. Drink now through 2038. —M.W.

2023 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 98

Grilled lemon and pineapple are a bold opening, with litsea oil and lemon balm notes giving way to flavors of ripe peach and apricot, plus a hint of green cardamom. Makrut lime leaf, lemongrass and lemon basil details linger on the long, aromatic and expressive finish. Drink now through 2040. —M.W.

2023 Aubert Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97

Displays a beautiful mix of power and elegance, with a plump, fleshy frame and energetic acidity. Offers Sumo citrus, mandarin orange and grilled pineapple flavors. Details of lemon balm, gingersnap, marzipan and salted butterscotch linger on the long, epic finish. A stunner. Drink now through 2040. —M.W.

2023 Aubert Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97

Distinctive and aromatic, with notes of fresh-cut Fuji apple, crunchy star fruit, lemon cream, ginger and jasmine. There’s an appealing firmness to the acidity. Toasted, salted hazelnut, toffee and crunchy sea salt gain momentum on the finish, along with touches of toasted green tea and vetiver on the creamy finish. Drink now through 2039.—M.W.

2023 Aubert Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley
Score: 96

Bright and juicy, with wonderful purity to the core of mango puree, grilled lemon, Sumo citrus and tangerine flavors. Shows accents of ripe peach, dried pineapple, crème brûlée and bergamot, along with fresh lemon and lime zest. There’s a touch of sesame candy crunch on the finish. Drink now through 2037.—M.W.

2023 Aubert Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96

Offers a stunning mix of crème brûlée, orange curd and peach preserves, with so much depth and complexity to the range of details, including wildflower honey and apricot pastry, plus spicy accents of nutmeg and Saigon cinnamon. Toffee and a touch of smoked salt linger on the finish. Drink now through 2035. —M.W.

Aubert fans have a lot to look forward to in these upcoming releases. The 2023 Chardonnays capture all the energy and vibrancy of this cool, late-ripening year. The Pinots, bottled this summer, are all impressive. They were done with fully destemmed fruit and saw as much as 30 days on the skins. As I have remarked in recent reports, the Pinots capture more verve these days than they did in the past, while still offering plenty of the richness Aubert is known for.

2023 Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 – 98 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay CIX Estate is one of the most complete wines in this range. Aromatically intense, textured and silky, the 2023 CIX brings together all the elements that make these Chardonnays so appealing. Lemon oil, hazelnut, dried flowers and lightly honeyed notes all grace this resonant, expansive Chardonnay. The CIX is often one of my favorite Aubert Chardonnays, as it is once again in 2023.

2023 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 93 – 95 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Eastside is potent and tightly wound. It possesses notable textural depth and structure. I am looking forward to tasting this again, as it is pretty closed, especially in the aromatics. Even so, this is a lot of wine. Hints of graphite and dried orchard fruit open with some reluctance.

2023 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard Carneros
Score: 94 – 96 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is redolent of crushed rocks, slate, mint, white pepper and oyster shell. In this vintage, the Hudson is a bit reticent, but I see that as a positive for its long-term evolution. This is the first Aubert Hudson Chardonnay since 2019 because of replanting. The 2023 is classic Hudson all the way.

2023 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 94 – 96 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is super-refined and polished. This was the last pick in 2023. Apricot, dried pear, chamomile, mint, tangerine peel and lightly honeyed notes all grace this exquisite, nuanced Chardonnay.

2023 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 – 100 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Lauren is the quintessential Mark Aubert wine. Rich, layered and wonderfully dynamic in the glass, the 2023 is another super-complete wine. The Lauren is marked by strong mineral, earthy and savory notes that require bottle age to be at their most expressive.

2023 Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95 – 97 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Park Avenue looks like it will offer fine drinking out of the gate. Bold and effusive, the 2023 is a Chardonnay of total seduction. Ripe pear, white flowers, marzipan and lightly honeyed notes build in the glass. This extravagant Park Avenue is a dense, hedonistic showstopper.

2023 Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95 – 97 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Powder House is another of the more floral, weightless wines in this range. Chalk, mint, white pepper, crushed rocks, sage and mint lead into a core of white orchard fruit, lemon oil and marzipan. I especially admire its energy and overall vibrancy here. Saline notes confer freshness on the close.

2023 Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley
Score: 94 – 96 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Sugar Shack is a wine of textural density and opulence. Tangerine oil, chamomile, pastry and lightly buttered notes all meld together. In this tasting, the Sugar Shack is marked by its viscosity, a signature of this warm microclimate vis-à-vis the other Chardonnays in the range. A feeling of phenolic intensity and acid lingers on the close.

2023 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95 – 97 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard is delicate and sensual in the glass. White flowers, tangerine oil, mint, lemon confit and light tropical accents take shape. Rich yet light on its feet, the 2023 UV-SL is sublime. Lifted floral overtones grace the sensual finish. This is all refinement.

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2023 Pinot Noir CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

The 2023 Pinot Noir CIX Vineyard is another stellar wine from Mark Aubert. It is the most savory of the Pinots and yet still possesses tons of depth and overall structure. These are some of the later blocks to come in. Dried herbs, mint, blood orange, chalk, raspberry and crushed flowers lend notable exotic flair throughout.

2023 Pinot Noir Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95 Points

The 2023 Pinot Noir Park Avenue Estate is a new wine in this range. It emerges from a parcel in Sebastopol planted with cuttings from UV. Black cherry, leather, incense and graphite open first, followed by lifted floral and savory notes that add character. The Park Avenue doesn’t have the layers of the other Pinots, but it comes very close. This is a seriously impressive debut.

2023 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 Points

The 2023 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard is dense, heady and explosive. The purity of the fruit is just superb. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and blood orange all soar from the glass. A wine of depth and textural intensity, the 2023 is just magnificent. So aromatic. Bright acids pull it all together on the finish. The UV is the most delicate and refined of the Pinots from Aubert this year.

2023 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 Points

The 2023 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard is a rich, full-bodied wine. Inky dark fruit, mocha, new leather, soy, spice and grilled herbs are beautifully amplified. A wine of resonance and textural power, the 2023 is superb. Readers will find a Pinot of tremendous color, flavor and aromatic expressiveness. This site at elevation yields notable intensity. It is the darkest and most flamboyant of the Aubert Pinots.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent, November 14th, 2024

The 2023 Chardonnays are already well-defined, bright, and expressive—compellingly complete… Aubert’s 2023 Chardonnays and Pinots will be tough acts to follow.

2023 Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97+ Points

The 2023 Chardonnay CIX Estate bursts with bold notes of peaches and apricots, giving way to suggestions of aniseed, pie crust, grapefruit oil, and wet pebbles. The full-bodied palate has a decadently creamy texture with soft acidity framing the opulent stone fruit and spicy flavors, finishing long with a savory lift.

2023 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 97+ Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Eastside skips out of the glass with bright, vibrant scents of fresh limes, green apples, and lemon drops, leading to suggestions of struck flint, baker’s yeast, and orange blossom. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright and intense with zesty flavors and a satiny texture, finishing long and savory.

2023 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 100 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons rockets from the glass with super-intense notes of lime blossoms, fresh yellow apples, orange peel, and chalk dust, plus hints of struck flint and grapefruit oil. The medium-bodied palate shimmers with citrus and stone fruit flavors, supported by fantastic tension and a satiny texture, finishing long and zesty. If served to me blind, I might mistake it for a Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne.

2023 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard Carneros
Score: 97 Points

The 2023 Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay prances out with showy notes of white peaches, beeswax, juicy pears, and allspice, plus hints of wet pebbles and coriander seed. The medium to full-bodied palate is satiny and savory, delivering lots of orchard fruit layers and a long mineral-laced finish.

2023 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 100 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Lauren Estate needs a lot of swirling to bring out evocative scents of Bosc pears, honeydew melon, marzipan, and honeycomb, plus hints of chalk dust and lime blossoms. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers intense, profound orchard fruit and savory layers, supported by beautifully knit acidity and a silken texture, finishing long with a spicy kick.

2023 Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 98 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Park Avenue charges out with vibrant notes of lemon tart, lime cordial, and nectarines, followed by touches of struck flint, brioche, honeysuckle, and chalk dust. The medium to full-bodied palate vibrates with energetic citrus and stone fruit flavors, supported by a racy line and a satiny texture, finishing long and satisfyingly savory. Gorgeous.

2023 Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 98 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Powder House waltzes out with flamboyant notes of jasmine tea, lemongrass, and fresh ginger, opening out to a core of apricots, spiced apples, and persimmons. The medium to full-bodied palate is very elegant and savory with soft-spoken spice and orchard fruit flavors and just enough tension, finishing on a persistent gingery note.

2023 Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley
Score: 98 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay Sugar Shack needs a little shaking and coaxing to bring out delicate notes of Golden Delicious apples, lemon curd, lime jelly, and candle wax, plus nuances of baking bread and chopped almonds. The medium to full-bodied palate is creamy textured with soft acidity and bags of apple and citrus-inspired flavors, finishing with a zesty lift.

2023 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 100 Points

The 2023 Chardonnay UV-SL has vibrant notes of pink grapefruit, fresh pineapple, and peaches, giving way to nuances of Marcona almonds, wet slate, and white pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate is compellingly silky with wonderful freshness, filling the mouth with layers of citrus, tropical, and orchard fruit flavors, finishing with epic length and depth. Stunning!

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2023 Pinot Noir CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 Points

Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, the 2023 Pinot Noir CIX Estate needs a little swirling to bring out lifted notes of crushed blackberries, fresh strawberries, and red cherries, plus hints of dried Provence herbs, hoisin, and wet slate. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly wound with black and red berry layers, supported by very finely grained tannins and a refreshing line, finishing long and chalky.

2023 Pinot Noir Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 98 Points

Deep ruby-purple in color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Park Avenue Estate comes bounding out with exuberant notes of juicy raspberries, red currant jelly, and blood orange, followed by hints of graphite, tilled soil, and iron ore with a touch of lavender oil. The medium to full-bodied palate is so elegant and refined, with a lively line and super-silky tannins, finishing long and minerally.

2023 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 Points

The 2023 Pinot Noir UV is medium ruby-purple in color. A gorgeous perfume of fresh raspberries, wild strawberries, and lavender wafts from the glass, followed by hints of wet slate, forest floor, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate has amazing tension and fine-grained tannins that frame the vibrant red berry and floral layers, finishing long and fragrant.

2023 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

Deep ruby-purple colored, the 2023 Pinot Noir UV-SL shimmies out of the glass with gregarious notes of pomegranate, black cherries, black raspberries, and wild fungi, followed by hints of orange peel, forest floor, and wild thyme. The medium to full-bodied palate is super-intense and tightly knit, with a racy backbone defining the red berry and earthy layers, finishing with incredible length.

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.

California Pinot Noir

Aubert’s Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast UV-SL Vineyard 2022 is one of the vintage’s highest scorers. The wine displays both richness and tension—not an easy feat in this generally softer, more forward-style vintage—that help to set it apart from the pack.—James Molesworth

2022 Aubert Pinot Noir CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 93

A rich and well-filled-in version, particularly for the vintage, offering steeped black cherry and blackberry fruit laced with hints of menthol, chaparral and singed vanilla. Not shy with the toast on the finish but offers the fruit to handle it. Shows impressive breadth and depth for a ’22. Drink now through 2032.—J.M.

2022 Aubert Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95

Ripe and defined, offering a mix of raspberry, black cherry and boysenberry reduction notes scored with bramble, warm earth, menthol and sweet spice details. This impressive, well-structured version is holding back for now, with underlying energy and a solid finishing kick of fruit that should allow this to unfurl slowly in the cellar. Best from 2027 through 2035.—J.M.

2022 Aubert Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96

An impressive wave of raspberry, boysenberry and mulberry fruit paste flavors cruises through, while singed anise, warm earth, black tea and briar hints fill in along the way. Displays richness and tension — not an easy feat in this vintage — and a long, sapid finish. Built for the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2038.—J.M.

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.

Reviews of the current Aubert releases by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, including the perfect-scoring 2021 Lauren Estate Chardonnay.

2022 Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

Hints of crushed stone accent ripe, lush notes of white peaches and pineapple. This full-bodied, opulent wine seems a bit lower in acidity than usual, but it still finishes crisp and long, with a delicate hint of mocha on the finish.

2022 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 96 Points

Scents of toasted hazelnuts, crushed stone, pear and tangerine appear on the nose of the 2022 Chardonnay Eastside. It’s full-bodied, generous and plush without being weighty, then intense and crisp on the lemon-lime finish, with echoes reminiscent of white pepper and ginger.

2022 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 94 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons delivers aromas of honeyed citrus and complex spice notes—even a hint of ginger—plus notes of melon and pear. It’s medium to full-bodied, plump, generous and expansive on the palate, then pulls itself together and tightens up on the finish.

2022 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 98 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay Lauren Estate offers up notes of crushed stone, white peach and barely ripe pineapple. In the mouth, it’s full-bodied yet cool, concentrated but weightless, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Harmonious and elegant, this is really something quite special.

2022 Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 Points

Aubert’s 2022 Chardonnay Park Avenue offers up gentle notes of toasted hazelnut, brioche and almond, plus lime, pear and melon. It’s full-bodied, with waves of upfront fruit and generous on the mid-palate, then crisp and focused on the lingering finish.

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

The 2022 Chardonnay Powder House features attractive notions of crushed stone, citrus oil, hints of tea and perhaps even bergamot. Medium to full-bodied, with great thrust and energy, this is zesty, clean and crisp, with terrific length.

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

The 2022 Chardonnay Sugar Shack shows remarkable freshness given the site and vintage conditions. Crushed stone, lime and tangerine notes mark the nose, while the wine is medium to full-bodied in the mouth, lush and almost pillowy in texture, then bright and vibrant on the lingering finish.

2022 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay UV-SL hints at powder-sugared brioche on the nose, backed by lemon-lime notes and some apple-ish fruit. From multiple rootstocks and clonal selections, it’s full-bodied and expansive on the palate, generous, rich and long. It’s serious stuff.

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2021 Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

The 2021 Chardonnay CIX Estate is a more classic example than the 2022 version, but there’s a strong familial resemblance. Crushed stone and hints of almond-hazelnut skin appear on the nose, alongside fruitier notes of pineapple and white peach. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, generous and rounded, then finishes fresh and vibrant, with a huge whack of energizing lime zest on the finish.

2021 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 97 Points

The 2021 Chardonnay Eastside features scents of crushed stone and dried herbs, a hint of pastry crust and bright tangerine and lime fruit. Like the rest of Aubert’s Chardonnays, it’s unabashedly rich yet simultaneously cool and structured, with crisp citrus and complex spice notes on the lingering finish.

2021 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 96 Points

The full-bodied 2021 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons features compelling scents of toasted hazelnut and pencil shavings, set against a backdrop of pear and pineapple. Like so many of Aubert’s Chardonnays, it juxtaposes layers of richness and freshness, generosity and crispness, finishing long and refreshing.

2021 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 100 Points

Scents of crushed stone, white peaches, ripe pineapples and fresh lime all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is plush and opulent, concentrated yet incredibly long, vibrant and mouthwatering on the finish. This is really special, a true “wow” wine that—at least for this taster—sets a new standard for how good California Chardonnay can be.

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

The 2021 Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate kicks off with scents of crushed stone, lemon, black tea and some slightly richer notes of stone fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it’s quite liner and direct, with a long, mouthwatering finish.

2021 Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

Aubert’s 2021 Chardonnay Powder House features prominent notes of toasted hazelnut and crushed stone atop a base of white peaches, lemon-lime notes and cooling herbs. It’s medium to full-bodied and generous enough on the mid-palate but with a spine of bright, vivacious acidity and a long, zesty finish.

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

The 2021 Chardonnay Sugar Shack is a full-bodied, rich, concentrated wine laden with notes of peach and melon. It’s opulent and lush but with great length and energy on the finish, plus some complex floral-herbal notes reminiscent of flower-shop greens.

2021 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 Points

The 2021 Chardonnay UV-SL is slightly fresher and more perfumed than the 2022, with seductive floral notes joining hints of crushed stone in accenting orange and bergamot citrus aromas. Full-bodied and plush, it’s harmonious, charming and elegant from start to finish.

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2022 Pinot Noir CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

Aubert’s 2022 Pinot Noir CIX Estate delivers complex, mouthwatering waves of black cherries, accented by notes of roses and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and silky, the wine boasts awesome length and tremendous intensity without excess weight. Hints of tobacco, tea leaves and sous-bois bring additional complexity to the lingering finish. This is the real deal.

2022 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 94 Points

The 2022 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard bursts with cherries and raspberries, plus a hint of pie spice. Full-bodied, warm, supple and spicy on the palate, this is soft and appealing on the long, plush finish.

2022 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 93+ Points

Aubert’s 2022 Pinot Noir UV-SL is a bit floral and herbal, with those pretty notes accenting cherries and cranberries on the nose. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, tight and focused, finishing crisp and silky.

The recent releases of Aubert, including the perfect-scoring Eastside 2022.

2022 Chardonnay CIX Estate Sonoma Coast
Score: 95 Points

Aromas of candied lemons, apples, crushed stone and hints of lemon leaves follow through to a full body of pretty fruit with lemon flowers and hints of gunpowder. It’s solid and all there. Needs a year or two to come together. Best after 2026.

2022 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 100 Points

Intense aromas of apples, green tea leaf oil and cooked apple. Full-bodied yet so reserved and intense, with a tight palate and a long, long finish. The concentration is phenomenal, but it’s framed by near perfect phenolics. Tightly wound and weightless. So spicy at the end. Reminiscent of Montrachet. Grand cru quality. Goes on for minutes. This is fantastic now to understand it’s potential but will be even better in years to come.

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

There’s so much sliced lime and green apple with hints of toasted oak and salt water taffy. Full-bodied with a solid texture and well-integrated phenolics that give such great length and focus. Fluid and so attractive on the palate. Delicious now, but will show more complexity with age.

2022 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

Purity of fruit, with dried apple skin, sliced pears, heather and lemon blossoms. Full-bodied, but it’s so textural with phenolics that spread across the palate and go on for minutes. Flint. Dense and very long. A wonderful expression of the essence of great chardonnay. Drinkable now but even better in three or four years and beyond.

2022 Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

Aromas of gunpowder, grated lemon rind, lemon curd, hazelnut butter, salted butter and flint. So complex. Medium- to full-bodied. Deep and thoughtful, with such intellectual and visceral pleasure. Wow. Drink this whenever your can. But it will age for decades.

2022 Chardonnay Powder House Estate Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

Aromas of candied lemons, crushed stone and sage with some cream. So gorgeous. Full bodied, with density, depth and a crunchy character. Complex and thoughtful, with an electric finish of lemon zest and dried apples. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

2022 Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Napa Valley
Score: 97 Points

Very complex, with heather and sliced apple notes and hints of spearmint, salt water taffy, stones and white cedar. Full-bodied with a fluid and beautiful palate. Delicious. Broad and open. Pure fruit to it. So hard not to drink now.

2022 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

Lots of dried apple, pineapple, heather and seashell aromas with green pine needles. Full-bodied and dense with focused, layered fruit. Persistent and zesty. Oyster aftertaste. Drinkable now, but even better in three or four years.

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2022 Pinot Noir CIX Estate Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

Aromas of blackberries, black cherries, lavender, lemon peel and dark tobacco, with hints of oyster shells, dried seaweed and iodine. It’s decadent with notes of umami. Love this. Give this three to four years to mellow slightly, but so fascinating to drink now.

2022 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

An intense pinot with aromas of balsamic, plums and blackberries and hints of caramel, following through to a medium body with a beautiful frame of fine tannins. Solid and beautiful. Extremely long, gorgeous finish. Hard not to drink this now, but it will age beautifully.

2022 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 99 Points

So aromatic, with notes of lavender, rosemary, dark cherries, dark strawberries, rose petals and blood oranges. The palate shows creamy, ultra-fine tannins that spread across the tongue, with superb texture that goes on for minutes. Hints of Provencal flowers. Hemmed in and held back. So good now, but even better in three to five years.

This recent tasting with Mark Aubert and his team was one of the most remarkable I have had in over a decade of visits. I was deeply impressed not just with the quality of the wines but also with the consistency of what I tasted across multiple vineyards and three vintages. I was not able to stop by Aubert last fall, as the timing of my Napa Valley trip coincided with a very late harvest, so this was my first time tasting the 2022s and the 2021s from bottle. I also took the opportunity to taste the bottled Chardonnays from 2019s, wines I missed because of the pandemic. As readers will see from these notes, the wines are absolutely brilliant.

Mark Aubert got the most out of 2022, a vintage that created numerous challenges for producers, although less so in Sonoma than in Napa. Harvest started in mid-August, 7-10 days earlier than 2021. Most of the fruit was in by the end of the month, although a few sites lingered into mid-September. Ferments were on the longer side, as much as 30 days in some cases. The Pinots were done with fully destemmed fruit. I imagine the 2022s will drink well with minimal cellaring.

The finished 2021 Chardonnays are every bit as special as they were when I tasted them from tank prior to bottling. Wines of energy and site expression, the 2021s clearly have the potential to age. I found the 2019 Chardonnays in great shape. Many Vinous readers have inquired about the 2019s in recent months. I see it as a superb vintage to start delving into. The wines offer notable complexity that has developed since bottling yet remain youthful and full of life. As attractive as the Aubert wines are young, my personal preference is to drink them with a few years of bottle age.

2022 Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay CIX Estate is rich, ample and explosive. A classic Mark Aubert wine, the CIX is off the charts. Soaring aromatics and deep, layered fruit take hold of the senses and never let up. White orchard fruit, jasmine, lemon confit, white pepper and spice lend nuance to a Chardonnay built on textural resonance. The 2022 is arrestingly beautiful from the first taste.

2022 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 96 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is a complex, racy wine. Oily and viscous, with a touch of reduction, the Eastside is a wonderfully complex, layered wine. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint, ripe pear and a kiss of French oak abound. This is a stellar Chardonnay from Mark Aubert.

2022 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 95 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is elegant, gracious and beautifully lifted. This is an especially floral, refined version of Hyde, made all the more remarkable because this was the last fruit picked in 2022. It’s a style I find quite appealing.

2022 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96+ Points

The 2022 Chardonnay Lauren is a deep, powerful wine. It is also the most tightly wound and compacted of these Chardonnays. That won’t be an issue in a few years, but I would not be in any rush to open the 2022, as it very clearly needs time. Pear, ripe green apple and hints of jasmine linger.

2022 Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 94 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay Park Avenue is laced with hints of orange confit, passion fruit and jasmine. This is one of the more exotic Chardonnays in the range, especially aromatically.

2022 Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay Powder House is a seamless, elegant wine. All the elements are so well put together. Lifted aromatics open first. Bright citrus fruit, dried flowers, chalk and crushed rocks follow in a Chardonnay that impresses with its sublime balance. The long, persistent finish is a thing of beauty.

2022 Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley
Score: 94 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay Sugar Shack is a powerful wine marked by more of a phenolic textural feel. Dried lemon peel, chamomile, spice and crushed rocks abound. This is an especially savory Chardonnay endowed with real palate presence and tons of class.

2022 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard is a potent, driving wine. Readers should be in no rush, as the 2022 is quite reticent and in need of cellaring. Strong mineral and phenolic notes dominate, while everything else is in the background. Lemon confit, pear, ginger and white flowers open with some coaxing, but this needs time. The only question is how much.

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2021 Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 100 Points

Once again, the 2021 Chardonnay CIX Estate finds Mark Aubert as his most brilliant. Explosive and racy to the core, the CIX possesses superb density and textural resonance from start to finish. The only problem with the 2021 is that it is way too young to be at its best. This is all class.

2021 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard Russian River
Score: 96 Points

The 2021 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is ample, rich and explosive, with tons of tropical character and to play off its resonant personality. Orange peel, spice, butter, passion fruit and a kiss of French oak fill out the layers. What a gorgeous and complete wine this is. Bright saline notes extend the finish effortlessly.

2021 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros
Score: 96 Points

The 2021 Chardonnay Larry Hyde and Sons Vineyard is stunning, Bright, vibrant and explosive, the 2021 Hyde is fabulous. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper, pear, lime and jasmine all race out of the glass. This chiseled, sculpted Chardonnay shows just how magical the 2021 vintage is. This is one of the most refined Hyde Chardonnays I have tasted from Mark Aubert.

2021 Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 98+ Points

The 2021 Chardonnay Lauren is going to battle it out with the CIX for the best wine in this range of Chardonnays. Dense and layered, with superb persistence, the Lauren is not as obvious as many wines in this range, but it is sublime. Dried pear, spice, ginger and chamomile add layers of dimension. Just wait.

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

The 2021 Chardonnay Park Avenue is one of the most powerful wines in this lineup. It offers a striking mix of orange confit with earthy, saline and mineral notes. Like all the 2021s here, the Park Avenue exudes textural intensity and persistence. The palate-staining finish is unforgettable.

2021 Chardonnay Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 95+ Points

The 2021 Chardonnay Powder House was quite closed when I tasted it from tank just prior to bottling. It comes across pretty much the same today. Readers are best advised to wait, or to at least give this a healthy decant. Pear, lemon peel, white flowers and crushed rocks open gradually, but the Powder House is in no mood to show its cards today.

2021 Chardonnay Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley
Score: 95 Points

The 2021 Chardonnay Sugar Shack offers all the natural intensity that is typical of this site, but in this vintage, married to tons of citrus and saline-driven energy. The Sugar Shack is not one of the most obvious wines in this range, but it exudes persistence, tension and class. There’s real textural depth and presence here.

2021 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 97 Points

The 2021 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard is a beguiling, complete wine. Floral notes mixed with hints of reduction, orchard fruit and citrus lend character to a wonderfully complex and complete wine. All the elements are so well balanced. The 2021 is sublime in the way it marries richness with lightness.

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2022 Pinot Noir CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 96 Points

The 2022 Pinot Noir CIX Vineyard is fabulous. Dark, vibrant and vertical in feel, the 2022 offers a compelling mix of dark-toned fruit, menthol, cloves, licorice and incense. The CIX is dynamic and bursting with flavor. It is the most potent and virile wine in the range, and also the last to be picked.

2022 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 94 Points

The 2022 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard is such a classy wine. Crushed flowers, mint, bright red-toned fruit and cinnamon are some of the notes that grace this layered, vibrant Pinot. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Floral notes perk up the finish.

2022 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 94 Points

The 2022 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard is laced with dark cherry, menthol, spice, dried flowers and blood orange. Medium in body, with terrific depth, the 2022 is another impeccable wine from Mark Aubert. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s breadth. This is the highest-elevation site in the Aubert portfolio.