AUBERT CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

WS: 97

This is packed with energetic flavors of mulberry, boysenberry and morello cherry paste that are bright, sappy and mouthwatering in feel thanks to the well-embedded structure, which sets this up nicely for cellaring. There’s also floral lift, with iris and pennyroyal notes, plus a buried zip of iron minerality. The lengthy, riveting finish offers a toast component, but the fruit, floral and mineral elements form a brigade that’s very much in control. Best from 2027 through 2038. 781 cases made.  –JM

VN: 95

The 2024 Pinot Noir CIX Vineyard is another potent, virile wine in this lineup. Brisk acids and beams of tannin shape this vibrant, driving Pinot. Cool red- and blue-toned fruit emerge with some reluctance. This is a bit raw today, but there's a lot of wine here for those who can wait. Most of this is Vosne-Romanée clone.