Wine Spectator – May 2025 – Aubert’s World-Class Chardonnays

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.