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Aubert Eastside Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2017
100 points - limited Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert. 99 Points Robert Parker: "CIX stands for "109" as this block, planted in 2008 to Montrachet clones, was originally called "parcel 109" when they purchased it. The 2017 Chardonnay CIX Estate has an incredibly intense nose of lemon peel, green mango, fresh pears and powdered ginger with suggestions of baking bread, chopped cashews, lightly buttered popcorn and crème brûlée. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated and bold with a racy line carrying the citrus and savory layers to an incredibly long finish... ...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Ratings on Delectable
Ron R 
Thought I’d check in on this bad boy, and all is well. Aubert could be the patron saint of Cali chards - he (inc. Kistler and Mount Eden) set the standard against which most of the multitude are judged. For me, this represents the dew of brilliance in a glass. When you taste it, it explains itself. The nose displays a hint of caramel, honeycomb and biscotti. The mid-palate is ethereal - at this point, you know you have fallen into good hands. Acidity is relaxed, and the oak treatment frames this up well. Finishes sweet with an uncommon density. I’m modifying an author’s prose when I say, “Tasting wine is like viewing art. Most of it isn’t great, and the good stuff is out of our price range.” Aubert occupies the latter category.
Thought I’d check in on this bad boy, and all is well. Aubert could be the patron saint of Cali chards - he (inc. Kistler and Mount Eden) set the standard against which most of the multitude are judged. For me, this represents the dew of brilliance in a glass. When you taste it, it explains itself. The nose displays a hint of caramel, honeycomb and biscotti. The mid-palate is ethereal - at this point, you know you have fallen into good hands. Acidity is relaxed, and the oak treatment frames this up well. Finishes sweet with an uncommon density. I’m modifying an author’s prose when I say, “Tasting wine is like viewing art. Most of it isn’t great, and the good stuff is out of our price range.” Aubert occupies the latter category.
9.5
Shay A
One of the birthday bottles I opened for my 33rd. Aubert chardonnays, for me, are the total package. Aside from Marcassin (and even then, it’s not fair because the 2013 hasn’t been officially released yet), there is no other new world producer of Chardonnay I’d rather have. I opened this Eastside because it was in the home cellar and I didn’t feel like traveling to storage...good and bad scenario! Opening their single vineyard chards this young (aside from Hudson), is normally a crime, but I read a lot of reviews of how good this was young and WOW are they right. Aromatically it sports Aubert’s signature lemon cream, ginger, honey roasted cashews and a slight reductive note. The palate shows plenty of lemon cream, marzipan, smoked lemon, and stone fruit like guava...what makes this a standout (like other Aubert chards), is the acidity and structure. Normally this would make a chard flabby or over the top, but it wears this profile so well. I could have polished this off with a straw. My almost two-year old’s card in the background.
One of the birthday bottles I opened for my 33rd. Aubert chardonnays, for me, are the total package. Aside from Marcassin (and even then, it’s not fair because the 2013 hasn’t been officially released yet), there is no other new world producer of Chardonnay I’d rather have. I opened this Eastside because it was in the home cellar and I didn’t feel like traveling to storage...good and bad scenario! Opening their single vineyard chards this young (aside from Hudson), is normally a crime, but I read a lot of reviews of how good this was young and WOW are they right. Aromatically it sports Aubert’s signature lemon cream, ginger, honey roasted cashews and a slight reductive note. The palate shows plenty of lemon cream, marzipan, smoked lemon, and stone fruit like guava...what makes this a standout (like other Aubert chards), is the acidity and structure. Normally this would make a chard flabby or over the top, but it wears this profile so well. I could have polished this off with a straw. My almost two-year old’s card in the background.
9.5
David L
17’ Aubert Eastside. Each year I have a favorite from the vintage. Generally enjoy my Aubert chards 4/7 years of age. This thus far is my favorite 17 from Mark. 15-17s seems to be much more approachable young.
17’ Aubert Eastside. Each year I have a favorite from the vintage. Generally enjoy my Aubert chards 4/7 years of age. This thus far is my favorite 17 from Mark. 15-17s seems to be much more approachable young.
9.6David L
Simply wow. Dare I say even better next year.!?!
Simply wow. Dare I say even better next year.!?!
9.6Ron R
First quaff of the week... Nose displays fresh cut flowers and caramel. Palate is chameleon like, starting with honeycomb, summers day and sea spray. Light and breezy with a light texture. Finishes long with moderate sweetness. These wines are worth every cent, and some.
First quaff of the week... Nose displays fresh cut flowers and caramel. Palate is chameleon like, starting with honeycomb, summers day and sea spray. Light and breezy with a light texture. Finishes long with moderate sweetness. These wines are worth every cent, and some.
9.5Ron R
Few U.S. based chards equal the structure and precision that Aubert delivers. It’s a multiplier when you are in Montego Bay with your soul mate! Love her so much...
Few U.S. based chards equal the structure and precision that Aubert delivers. It’s a multiplier when you are in Montego Bay with your soul mate! Love her so much...
9.4
John A
Smacks you in the face and screams burgundy...then you ask yourself California chard....really???? Delicious and amazing.
Smacks you in the face and screams burgundy...then you ask yourself California chard....really???? Delicious and amazing.
9.5
Eric L.
Very nice.
Very nice.
9.4John A
Just a huge fan of Aubert Chardonnays. Melons, honey, toasted almonds, followed by concentrated citrus and a long mineral finish
Just a huge fan of Aubert Chardonnays. Melons, honey, toasted almonds, followed by concentrated citrus and a long mineral finish
9.5
Aaron Hamrock
Simply delicious. I don’t know how the Aubert’s do it year after year.
Simply delicious. I don’t know how the Aubert’s do it year after year.
9.7
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.