AUBERT Eastside Vineyard Russian River Chardonnay

WA: 98

The 2015 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard exudes butterscotch, allspice, baked pears and peach preserves with tantalizing honeycomb, salted caramel and popcorn hints. This rich, full-bodied powerhouse fills the palate with decadent, spicy stone fruit, marked by a refreshing line of acid and finishing with lingering wet pebble and savory hints.

VM: 96

The 2015 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is superb. Still fresh and vibrant, the 2015 has reached its tenth birthday in style. I would have never guessed its age blind. Lemon peel, white flowers, crushed rocks and white pepper confer freshness. The 2015 was spectacular on release, as it is today.

VM: (98-100)

The 2019 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is deep, powerful and packed. Lemon confit, crushed rocks, menthol, graphite, chamomile and vanillin infuse the 2019 with striking layers of dimension. Bright acids give the sculpted finish tremendous persistence. Montrachet clone on Riparia rootstock in a rocky site yields a Chardonnay of rare distinction and class.

VM: 96

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.

VM: 96

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.

WS: 95

Focused and linear, with a line drive of concentrated citrus, mineral and stone fruit flavors that expand to fleshy tones of apricot, white peach and pear pastry. Salted lemon bar, sesame seed, dried ginger and cardamom flavors are expressive, with hard lemon candy details on the finish alongside fresh-clipped herbs including vetiver and lemon balm. Drink now through 2040. 1,314 cases made.  –MW

VN: 94-96

The 2024 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is a potent, tightly wound wine. It is going to need at least a few years to unwind. Citrus confit, white flowers, tangerine oil, crushed rocks, dried herbs and mint are finely sketched. Brisk acids pull it all together on the close. There's terrific energy here. Montrachet clone Chardonnay on Riparia Gloire rootstock planted on rocky soils is a magical combination.