2020 Aubert CIX Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

99 Points – The Wine Independent: The 2020 Chardonnay CIX Estate comes bounding out of the glass with youthful notes of fresh lemons and lime, grapefruit oil, and chalk dust, with wafts of paraffin wax, lily of the valley, and wet pebbles. The palate is full-on full-bodied and fantastically textured, with viscous ripples of flavor and seamless acidity, finishing with a lingering spicy kick. CIX stands for 109 because this was called parcel 109 when they bought it. Planted in 2008 to the Montrachet clone, the berries accumulate flavor very slowly here.

97 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: Another terrific year for this bottling, the 2020 Chardonnay CIX Estatefrom Montrachet-selection budwood on vines planted in 2008, and matured in 75% new French oakis lightly toasty, then tropical, with yellow peach, possibly even mango notes, balanced by bright, lime-like acids. It’s full-bodied, creamy and rich, yet not heavy at all, with great energy and lift on the finish.

96 Points – Wine Spectator: Complex, detailed and layered, with terrific intensity to the pineapple, mango and peach flavors, which are joined by details of salted butterscotch, dried fennel, star anise, mineral and honeycomb. Packs plenty of juiciness on the long, expressive finish that just goes on and on. Highly Recommended