Aubert Chardonnay Napa Valley Powder House Estate 2020

99 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2020 Chardonnay Powder House rockets out with powerful notes of key lime pie, jasmine tea, and candied orange peel, plus notes of oyster shell, nutmeg, fresh ginger, and citron blossom. The full-bodied palate is viscous and opulent with layer upon layer of citrus and savory flavors, lifted by a refreshing backbone, finishing long with loads of mineral nuances. This vineyard, on Goldridge soils near downtown Forestville, was planted in 2013. There are basically 2 clones, Hyde and Mt Eden, on 420 A & 114 rootstocks, and the row direction is due north. Drink: 2022-2037. (9/21/22)"

95 points James Suckling: "A linear and very fine white with lemon pie, nougat, almond, and flint. Medium-bodied, refined and beautiful. Dried lemon and hints of honey. Pretty and delicious. Drink now or hold. (12/11/22)"

94 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "Aubert's 2020 Chardonnay Powder House—from a Forestville vineyard planted in 2015 to a mix of Hyde Old Wente and Mount Eden selections—comes across as a bit more crisp, focused and linear than many of the other wines here. Melon, yellow plum and lime notes appear upon the nose, while the full-bodied palate is concentrated, fresh and zesty. It's an excellent wine, maybe a bit more suited for a food pairing (delicate white fish or poultry dishes) than the more bombastic offerings. Drink: 2022-2033. (Dec 2022)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "This has a richness to the salted toffee and honey-drizzled apricot, lemon curd and peach flavors, but it's tempered by a savory, crunchy mineral sea salt detail and a vibrant, mouthwatering frame that lingers on the long, fresh finish. Drink now through 2027. (10/19/22)"

Producer notes: "The 2020 Powder House explodes from the glass with gorgeous aromatics of lemon sorbet, spice-tinged citrus, and orange blossom. An intriguing savory soil note and a touch of wet stone give the wine its distinct interpretation of terroir. Concentrated flavors of yellow stone fruit and mineral tension on the entry an attractive sense of verve. The finish is long and palate staining with perfectly balanced acidity and incredible depth. This wine drinks well now but will enhance with extended cellaring. The wine is slightly hazy showing our commitment to minimal intervention winemaking."