Aubert Chardonnay Sonoma Coast CIX Vineyard 2021

98-100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2021 Chardonnay CIX Estate was tasted as a tank sample, due to be bottled in December 2022. It swans out of the glass with notions of ripe apricots, juicy pears, and quince paste, plus suggestions of grapefruit oil, lemongrass, and toasted almonds with a touch of beeswax. Full-bodied, rich, vibrant, multi-layered, and flawless, the palate is a seamless, complex, creamy powerhouse that is impossible to put down. The finish goes on forever. 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. Drink: 2023-2039. (9/21/22)"

97-100 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Chardonnay CIX Estate is the wine where it all comes together. Aromatics, fruit, structure and acidity all meld together in a seamless, layered Chardonnay that opens beautifully in the glass. Nothing sticks out, instead the CIX Chardonnay, like the Pinot, is endowed with mind-blowing finesse. It is a super-classic wine from Mark Aubert. Magnificent. Drink: 2025-2036. (Jan 2023)"

96-98 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "From a vineyard that borders the source of Aubert's Lauren bottling, there are 1,200 cases of the 2021 Chardonnay CIX Estate. Matured in 75% new French oak, this review is based on a tank sample awaiting bottling. Planted to a Montrachet selection in 2008, there's just a hint of fumé character, those smoky, mocha notes accenting ripe peaches and bright lime pith. It's characteristically full-bodied, generous, creamy and lush, yet with enough acidity to keep it clean and fresh on the finish. DrinkP 2023-2035. (12/30/22)"

97 points James Suckling: "This has such gorgeous fruit character with dried lemon, pie crust, crushed stone, and hints of sea weed. Spicy, like sea salt. Persistent finish. Drink or hold. (10/31/22)"

Producer notes: "The 2021 CIX is stately and opulent. Intense chamomile and honeysuckle florals mix with pure golden apple, wildflower honey, and crystallized lemon for a wine that is staggeringly complex and unified. On the palate, dusty minerals hint at the volcanic origins of the site, and toasty notes of almond baklava emerge from its dense core. Richly textured, the wine endlessly dances across the palate with both freshness and grás. Cellar this wine with confidence for 10 to 15 years."