2022 CIX Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
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Tasting Notes
Aubert's 2022 Pinot Noir CIX Estate delivers complex, mouthwatering waves of black cherries, accented by notes of roses and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and silky, the wine boasts awesome length and tremendous intensity without excess weight. Hints of tobacco, tea leaves and sous-bois bring additional complexity to the lingering finish. This is the real deal. According to Aubert, the light-hued soil seems to keep the vineyard cooler, which may help account for its success in this warm vintage.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
More reviews and scores
Aromas of blackberries, black cherries, lavender, lemon peel and dark tobacco, with hints of oyster shells, dried seaweed and iodine. Full yet nicely hemmed with ripe tuna belly and seaweed character. It’s decadent with notes of umami. Love this. Give this three to four years to mellow slightly, but so fascinating to drink now.
The 2022 Pinot Noir CIX Vineyard is fabulous. Dark, vibrant and vertical in feel, the 2022 offers a compelling mix of dark-toned fruit, menthol, cloves, licorice and incense. The CIX is dynamic and bursting with flavor. It is the most potent and virile wine in the range, and also the last to be picked. The clonal mix is Calera and Vosne-Romanée, with a touch of Swan.
Deep ruby-purple in color, the 2022 CIX Estate Pinot Noir needs a swirl or two to coax out notes of kirsch, boysenberries, redcurrant jelly, and iris bulb, giving way to notions of red roses, sandalwood, clove oil, damp soil, and underbrush. The full-bodied palate is beautifully rich and opulent, with seamless freshness and velvety tannins, finishing long with loads of exotic spices hints. CIX stands for 109, as this vineyard was called “parcel 109” when Aubert bought it. The Pinot Noir was planted in 2006. A new 2-acre block has recently come into the blend planted to Calera, Swan and Vosne-Romanee clones. 600 cases are made.
About the producer
The Aubert wines, particularly the Chardonnay, have a cult following – beloved for their rich, hedonistic style. Created by Mark and Theresa Aubert in 1999, the property makes some of California’s most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from single vineyards across Sonoma.