2022 Aubert - Chardonnay Russian River Eastside

Mark and Teresa Aubert founded their small estate in 1999. Since then it’s become one of California’s most coveted names in Chardonnay, built on low yields, estate vineyards and a hands-off approach. Eastside is their only Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. It comes from a rocky, chert-rich vineyard near Windsor, planted in 2006 and including a Montrachet selection. The vines have to struggle in that gravelly soil, which builds concentration and minerality. The wine ages mostly in new French oak and is bottled without fining or filtration, so a slight haze is normal. Expect toasted hazelnut, pear, yellow apple, tangerine and crushed stone, with hints of white pepper, ginger and marzipan. The palate is full and silky, with mouthwatering acidity and a long, chalky, lemon-lime finish. Superb with lobster, roast chicken or creamy pasta, and it can age 10 to 15 years.