2020 Aubert - Chardonnay Sonoma Coast CIX Estate

Mark Aubert learned his craft at Peter Michael under Helen Turley and went on to make wine at Bryant and Colgin. He and his wife Teresa founded Aubert in 1999, and today it’s one of California’s most sought-after Chardonnay houses. CIX is one of their estate vineyards on the Sonoma Coast, near Forestville. It’s planted on pale, calcareous soils that give it a signature mineral perfume. Yields are kept low, and the wine is fermented and aged in French oak, goes through full malolactic, and is bottled without fining or filtration, so it may show a slight haze. Expect sliced pear, apple, citrus and light cream on the nose, with pastry and white flowers. The palate is broad and concentrated, with orchard fruit, a hint of coriander seed and a long, savory, mineral finish. Superb with lobster, Dover sole or roast chicken, and it will reward a few more years in the cellar.