AUBERT CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

The Wine Advocate: 96-98

A barrel sample, the 2019 Chardonnay CIX Estate comes bounding out of the glass with grapefruit, green mango and orange peel notes backed up by wafts of talc, chopped nuts and a lifted, aromatic, floral perfume. It is full-bodied and intensely flavored in the mouth with a lively backbone cutting through the taut, dense citrus and tropical fruit flavors, finishing long and fragrant.

Vinous: 94-96

The 2019 Chardonnay CIX Vineyard is powerful, explosive and also very phenolic in feel. There is real density in the CIX. Lemon oil, marzipan, white flowers, ripe pear and mint are all beautifully delineated. The CIX is deep but also wonderfully transparent. The cool growing season yielded a Chardonnay of remarkable finesse. This site, planted with Montrachet Clone Chardonnay, was the last to be picked.

Wine Spectator: 95

Powerful and refined, this glides across the palate with concentrated dried apple and pear flavors that show hints of citrus, backed by fresh acidity and almost tannic nuances. The finish unfurls with creamy lushness, minerality and rich, toasty accents. Drink now through 2026. 1,282 cases made. 

Wine Advocate: 96 - 98 Points

From a vineyard that borders the source of Aubert's Lauren bottling, there are 1,200 cases of the 2021 Chardonnay CIX Estate. Matured in 75% new French oak, this review is based on a tank sample awaiting bottling. Planted to a Montrachet selection in 2008, there's just a hint of fumé character, those smoky, mocha notes accenting ripe peaches and bright lime pith. It's characteristically full-bodied, generous, creamy and lush, yet with enough acidity to keep it clean and fresh on the finish.

Vinous: 97 Points

The 2022 Chardonnay CIX Estate is rich, ample and explosive. A classic Mark Aubert wine, the CIX is off the charts. Soaring aromatics and deep, layered fruit take hold of the senses and never let up. White orchard fruit, jasmine, lemon confit, white pepper and spice lend nuance to a Chardonnay built on textural resonance. The 2022 is arrestingly beautiful from the first taste. Montrachet clone here really sings.

97 points – Antonio Galloni, May 2024

AG: “Mark and Teresa Aubert consistently produce some of the most compelling Chardonnays in California. The Aubert Chardonnays are often quite showy on release, but time has shown they also age exceptionally well. Readers will find stylish, sumptuous Chardonnays that exalt the essence of site.”

Wine Advocate: 97 Points

Always one of the last sites Aubert picks, the 2022 Chardonnay CIX Estate matured in close to 75% new French oak. Hints of crushed stone accent ripe, lush notes of white peaches and pineapple. This full-bodied, opulent wine seems a bit lower in acidity than usual, but it still finishes crisp and long, with a delicate hint of mocha on the finish.

Wine Spectator: 96 Points

Plush, elegant and generous, with peach, dried apricot and mango puree flavors that have an appealingly fleshy density, showing a touch of lemon drop candy, plus notes of mandarin orange, salted preserved lemon, apple pastry and crème anglaise. A hint of smoked butterscotch lingers. Drink now through 2034. 1,272 cases made.  –MW

WS: 95

Starts off subtle at first, with fresh and juicy Asian pear, crunchy star fruit and Meyer lemon flavors. This expands into a more remarkable and complex wine, with notes of lemon confit, Danish butter cookie, apricot confections and crunchy sea salt. Shows plenty of energy and freshness on the finish. Drink now through 2038. 1,487 cases made.  –MW

VN: 96-98

The 2024 Chardonnay CIX Estate is seriously impressive. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2024 hits the palate with layered, intensely mineral-driven fruit. Orange peel, chamomile and floral-infused honey all build in the glass. Readers will find a deep, potent Chardonnay endowed with tremendous power and textural resonance. This is one of the very finest CIX Chardonnays I have tasted. Magnificent.