2022 Aubert "Lauren Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

“The 2022 Chardonnay Lauren Estate was tasted as a barrel sample. Wow — you could just smell this all day, notes of candied orange peel, lemon tart, lime zest, pink grapefruit, and ginger tea emanate from the glass with hints of baker's years, Marcona almonds, and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate has beautiful tension and so much energy that it vibrates with citrus and mineral layers, finishing with long, lingering ginger and orange peel notes. Lauren Estate, named after Mark Aubert's daughter, is a vineyard planted to four different clones: two old Wente clones (Hyde and Hudson), Mt Eden, and Corton Charlemagne. There are 6 acres here, planted in 1999 on an ancient seabed. (LPB)” (09/2023)

“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.” (06/2024)

“The 2022 Chardonnay Lauren Estate includes four different Chardonnay selections—Hyde Old Wente, Montrachet, Mount Eden and Hudson, planted in 1999 and 2000. Matured in 87% new French oak yet not oaky at all, the nose 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. (JC)” (07/2024)

“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. (MW)” (12/2024)

“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. (AG) 96+” (05/2024)