2023 CIX Estate Vineyard Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Chardonnay CIX Estate marries textural opulence and vertical energy unlike any other wine in this range. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper, slate, dried flowers, sage and chalk soar from the glass. All the elernents are so well put together. There is a feeling of transparency here that is palpable. CIX is Mark Aubert's coolest site. Year in, year out, the wines here are exceptional.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
More reviews and scores
Epic and aromatic, with hints of flint, dried mango, blood orange puree and lemon cheesecake. The acidity provides an appealing backbone for the supple mix of pear pastry, caramelized brown sugar, peach preserves and lemon verbena. The fresh, energetic finish shows hints of white tea. 1,378 cases made.
The 2023 Chardonnay CIX Estate bursts with bold notes of peaches and apricots, giving way to suggestions of aniseed, pie crust, grapefruit oil, and wet pebbles. The full-bodied palate has a decadently creamy texture with soft acidity framing the opulent stone fruit and spicy flavors, finishing long with a savory lift. CIX stands for 109, as this vineyard was called “parcel 109” when Aubert bought it. Planted in 2008 to the Montrachet clone, the berries accumulate flavor very slowly here.
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.