|
2005 Aubert Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard (750ml)
|
|
Out of stock
|
Vintage: 2005
Format: 750ml
Wine Name: Aubert Chardonnay
Vineyard: Ritchie Vineyard
Designation:
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Producer: Aubert
Varietal: Chardonnay
Type: White
Country: USA
Region: California
Sub-Region: Sonoma County
Alcohol:
Tasting note: The 2005 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard has notes of nectarines, lemon oil, marmalade, roasted pineapple, and a hint of smoky, toasty oak, but a very subtle one. Stunningly rich, full-bodied, opulent, but with zesty acidity (a hallmark of all these 2005s), this wine looks set for 5-7 years of evolution.
Mark Aubert is on the move, leaving Colgin Winery in favor of working for the Bryant Family Vineyard, while at the same time producing some of the world’s greatest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. He seems to have a plate filled with both potential and stress. The bad news is that one of his suppliers decided his Chardonnays were just too profound for the Quarry Vineyard, and will no longer sell him fruit from that source, and in 2006, there was so little Reuling available, that cuvee was not made either. In short, there are two fewer Chardonnays for the 2006 vintage! Nevertheless, those who got on the mailing list and secured some of his 2005 Chardonnays have some of the finest Chardonnays ever made in California at their beck and call. Of course, these are made from old Wente clones of Chardonnay, given full malolactic, aged on their lees, and bottled with no clarification. (96pts. Robert Parker)
Tasted: Dec. 2007
Score: 96
Drink: 2007-14
Tasting note: Beautifully crafted, this is rich, intense and focused, with a complex mix of ripe, vibrant green apple, pear, melon and spice, picking up a subtle honeyed edge on the finish. Drink now through 2011. 1,080 cases made. (93pts. JL, Wine Spectator)
Tasted: Jul. 31, 2007
Score: 93
Drink: Now Through 2011
Tasting note: 100% new oak; 15.1% alcohol) Slightly hazy greenish-yellow color. Captivating, highly nuanced nose offers lime zest, lemon candy, nutmeg and crushed stone. Dense, thick and powerful, but for all its intensity this offers a magically light touch. The pineapple and crushed stone flavors are framed and intensified by sappy, perfectly integrated acidity and complicated by a leesy element. Boasts a truly three-dimensional texture that's rare for a dry white wine, not to mention extraordinary sweetness of fruit and length. Still quite young. (96+pts. Steven Tanzer)
Tasted: May/Jun 2007
Score: 96+
Drink: N/A
|
|
|
|