Aubert 2019 Vintage - Spring Release

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Nicholas C · #1 Post by **Nicholas C** » December 15th, 2020, 9:42 am

Received the save the date email regarding the Aubert 2021 spring allocation of single vintages this morning.

2019 Lauren Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
2019 CIX Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
2019 Powder House Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
2019 Sugar Shack Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay
2019 Eastside Vineyard Russian River Chardonnay
2019 UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
2019 Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

I am new to the active mailing list. Do they provide tasting notes when the offer goes live?
Does anyone have any insight into the quality of the 2019 vintage? For Aubert and/or Napa in general?

#2 Post by **Jeff_M.** » December 15th, 2020, 9:52 am

Also got the email and new to the active mailing list. January release season is already stacking up.

#3 Post by **Bob Davis** » December 15th, 2020, 9:55 am

It's going to be an expensive January. Ended up with almost a case last release.

Steve Crawford · December 15th, 2020, 10:02 am

6 btl min, right?
looking forward to these. consistent quality.

#5 Post by **J. Rock** » December 15th, 2020, 10:21 am

They will have notes on the wines, but I don't know if any critics' scores will be out. The 2019 Russian River Chard is already great, although I don't think it's made for the long haul.

A Dotson · #6 Post by **A Dotson** » December 15th, 2020, 10:25 am

This is truly a case of you seeing what you like.

Buy one of each and compare. Ignore the ratings, etc. This one is all up to you!

Matt.Zollman · December 15th, 2020, 10:49 am

New to the mailing list also. Anyone have a ballpark of where these come in price wise on release?

#8 Post by **Ken Strauss** » December 15th, 2020, 10:54 am

The Aubert Chardonnays are always terrific!
Do not hesitate to buy.

grovertrask · #9 Post by **grovertrask** » December 15th, 2020, 10:59 am

Last year prices were about:

$70-ish for their regional bottlings.

$85-110 for their single vineyard bottlings

December 15th, 2020, 10:59 am

Matt.Zollman wrote: ↑December 15th, 2020, 10:49 am New to the mailing list also. Anyone have a ballpark of where these come in price wise on release?

Last year the range was $85 to $115.
Lauren was $115.
Larry, Eastside and UV-SL $85
Sugar Shack and Powder house $95
CIX $100

#11 Post by **Lonnie F.** » December 15th, 2020, 11:50 am

Made the list. Looking forward to it

NED VALOIS · #12 Post by **NED VALOIS** » December 15th, 2020, 12:06 pm

I am full up, unless it is AUBERT CHARDS !

December 15th, 2020, 1:42 pm

The only mailing list I'm on anymore. Love the juice, all of it. Can't honestly say I can tell the single vineyard bottlings apart, all so delicious. Best value in $100 bottle wine IMHO

P Sepsas · #14 Post by **P Sepsas** » December 15th, 2020, 3:36 pm

Quick question, how long did the new active members were waiting? I signed on 2016 and still nothing..

#15 Post by **Mark Lewis** » December 15th, 2020, 4:58 pm

P Sepsas wrote: ↑December 15th, 2020, 3:36 pm Quick question, how long did the new active members were waiting? I signed on 2016 and still nothing..

I signed up about six months ago, and just got the email saying I was getting an offer. So I suspect they have forgotten about you!

Steve Crawford · December 16th, 2020, 2:04 am

P Sepsas wrote: ↑December 15th, 2020, 3:36 pm Quick question, how long did the new active members were waiting? I signed on 2016 and still nothing..

aubert can be odd with this. id resign up with a new email.
i waited 6 years on one email, then 4 months on another.
ymmv.

walter page · December 16th, 2020, 11:26 am

When is the actual offering date? For some reason Aubert’s emails don’t get past my firewall and don’t get deposited in junk mail either.

crickey · #18 Post by **crickey** » December 16th, 2020, 11:33 am

January 7 or 12. Apparently, I am tier 2.

P Sepsas · #19 Post by **P Sepsas** » December 16th, 2020, 1:08 pm

Steve Crawford wrote: ↑December 16th, 2020, 2:04 am
P Sepsas wrote: ↑December 15th, 2020, 3:36 pm Quick question, how long did the new active members were waiting? I signed on 2016 and still nothing..
aubert can be odd with this. id resign up with a new email.
i waited 6 years on one email, then 4 months on another.
ymmv.

I reached out to them, apparently they sent me last year but I didn’t get it (neither at my junk folder). Bad luck unfortunately... either way it seems that it is sorted now

#20 Post by **Ian H** » December 16th, 2020, 2:56 pm

I just got moved onto the active list as well. I spent about one year on the waiting list.

Not sure if this matters or not in terms of priority, but I did buy off several bottles off of their waiting list offers this past year.

And in fact, I just popped the 2018 Carneros Chard. Gosh darn it is delicious. Will definitely be dropping some coin next month.

Alex Novak · #21 Post by **Alex Novak** » December 16th, 2020, 5:05 pm

They are among the best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs out of California. Their "simple" Russian River in 2018 was absolutely killer, frankly better than most of their single vineyard ones, and cheaper. I think it shocked them too. As far as I know it wasn't even reviewed, but I gave it 96 points myself, and it was a lot more like a Chevalier Montrachet than anything else I have tasted out of California. Haven't tasted the 2019 version yet. Best to order up and taste them yourself. Haven't thought much of the critics՚ reviews, although they are usually high. I have heard good things about the 2019 vintage.

Nicholas C · #22 Post by **Nicholas C** » December 16th, 2020, 8:49 pm

Alex Novak wrote: ↑December 16th, 2020, 5:05 pm They are among the best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs out of California. Their "simple" Russian River in 2018 was absolutely killer, frankly better than most of their single vineyard ones, and cheaper. I think it shocked them too. As far as I know it wasn't even reviewed, but I gave it 96 points myself, and it was a lot more like a Chevalier Montrachet than anything else I have tasted out of California. Haven't tasted the 2019 version yet. Best to order up and taste them yourself. Haven't thought much of the critics՚ reviews, although they are usually high. I have heard good things about the 2019 vintage.

Thanks Alex, good to hear positive things about 2019. I got some of their 2019 Sonoma Coast Chard while on the waiting list earlier this year, but have not cracked that open yet. Have you tried that yet?

#23 Post by **ericskitei** » December 16th, 2020, 9:16 pm

For the noobs to the list, prepare yourself for the mother load. Assuming they haven't changed the way they handle newcomers, you are allocated a crap load as they want to see how much you order and than future release quantities will be based on your initial order amount. I like their Pinot, but rarely buy. I load up on the Chards, and not mad about it. Overall, my favorite New World Chard Producer. And FWIW- great folks. Philip (sales) and Laura (assistant winemaker) are awesome people and very gracious hosts.

John Ammons · #24 Post by **John Ammons** » December 16th, 2020, 9:35 pm

Alex Novak wrote: ↑December 16th, 2020, 5:05 pm Their "simple" Russian River in 2018 was absolutely killer, frankly better than most of their single vineyard ones, and cheaper.

The appellation chards can indeed be superb, but as they're now $75 a bottle plus shipping it's stretch to call them "simple" CA chards. Yes they're less pricey than the vineyard designates, but that price point is still quite the luxurious CA white.

#25 Post by **J. Rock** » December 16th, 2020, 9:38 pm

John Ammons wrote: ↑December 16th, 2020, 9:35 pm
Alex Novak wrote: ↑December 16th, 2020, 5:05 pm Their "simple" Russian River in 2018 was absolutely killer, frankly better than most of their single vineyard ones, and cheaper.
The appellation chards can indeed be superb, but as they're now $75 a bottle plus shipping it's stretch to call them "simple" CA chards. Yes they're less pricey than the vineyard designates, but that price point is still quite the luxurious CA white.

I think the appellation Chards are $65 (that's what I have in CT for my RRV Chards), which is a very reasonable price for quality Chardonnay like that)

#26 Post by **JFPelletier** » December 16th, 2020, 9:47 pm

Useful information from a fellow berserker (sorry did not know how to directly link to the post)

JF

#27 Post by **J.Vizuete** » December 17th, 2020, 5:33 am

I had the CIX twice (2016 and 2017) this year (can never bring myself to a order Hudson in the summer for some reason). It’s on the high end for complexity (similar to UVSL), with lots of tropical notes, ginger and hints of carmelized light brown sugar in the background. If you like the Aubert style, CIX is a home run. I’ve kept a vertical of it for a few years now.

December 19th, 2020, 12:46 am

I have been on the list since inception in 2000. Absolutely our favorite Chardonnay and one we look forward to each year. They drink well young and age beautifully. Buy what you can and you will not be disappointed.

Cheers!

Marshall

Andrew Heger · December 24th, 2020, 4:14 pm

Further advice for Aubert noobs:

If it goes anything like previous years, you'd best be at your keyboards and ready to pounce right on time on Tuesday morning, Jan. 12th.
There are things that will sell out within 2-3 hours. Basically everything but maybe some Larry Hyde is usually gone by about 3 p.m. Pacific.

Mercifully, they now have a pre-sale period for longtime list members from Jan 7-12, but if you aren't eligible for that, get ready for Filene's Basement on Black Friday.

December 24th, 2020, 6:45 pm

I got on the wait list two years ago (12/29/19). I was offered a few chards to tide me over 3 months later. Then I got my first real offer in January, 2020. I bought a case. Then I bought 6 more when they had a second sale. So I ended up with 18 SV Chards. I got my first offer of pinots this past Fall. So It took a year to get the chards and a year and a half to ge the pinots. I'm in the second wave for the next offering, but I had no trouble getting what I wanted a year ago.

NED VALOIS · #31 Post by **NED VALOIS** » December 24th, 2020, 7:38 pm

The Best Vintages, According to Aubert’s Top Wine Ratings
So what are the best vintages to buy from this swiftly rising California star? The lists below outline the best vintages by variety, in order of highest to lowest wine ratings according to Wine Advocate—with none receiving less than a 96.

Aubert’s Ten Best Chardonnay Vintages
Apricots, pears, sweet spices and nuts, chalky minerals, a hint of citrus—Aubert Chardonnay wines are colorful bouquets of flavors and aromas with excellent balance and finesse. As one review described the top wine listed below:

“The 2017 Chardonnay Lauren Estate starts out with a quiet intensity of ripe pears, apricot tart and spiced apples notes, growing exponentially to reveal a whole spectrum of savory/earthy nuances … Full-bodied, the palate truly lets off the flavor fireworks, giving up loads of citrus, stone fruit, pears and savory flavors plus a racy backbone, finishing very long and very moreish.”

Rating Vintage Vineyard Designation Drinking Window
100 2017 Lauren 2019-2028
100 2015 CIX 2017-2026
100 2015 Lauren 2018-2026
100 2015 UV-SL 2017-2027
100 2013 Eastside 2015-2023
99 2018 Lauren 2022-2030
99 2017 CIX 2019-2030
99 2017 UV-SL 2020-2028
99 2016 CIX 2018-2027
99 2016 Lauren 2019-2028

Honorable mentions: 2016 Eastside, 2012 CIX, 2017 Eastside

Andrew Heger · December 26th, 2020, 4:18 pm

Adding to the general fluffing of Aubert:

I had the 2015 CIX Chardonnay last night. It was quite simply the best white wine I've ever had, full stop, and I've been at this in earnest 25+ years.

The very, very first money budgeted for wine every year is for Aubert. For me, it's the best bet in the entire oenological casino.

The Pinots might be 5% overhyped (e.g. I think Rochioli is pretty consistently slightly better, but this may be a stylistic preference).

The Chards are, if anything, actually underappreciated.

NED VALOIS · #33 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 7th, 2021, 9:47 am

In for 4 cases + wish !

#34 Post by **Scott Jameson** » January 7th, 2021, 9:50 am

Ken Strauss wrote: ↑December 15th, 2020, 10:59 am Last year the range was $85 to $115.
Lauren was $115.
Larry, Eastside and UV-SL $85
Sugar Shack and Powder house $95
CIX $100

Prices up on some this year ...

Lauren is $120
Larry, Eastside and UV-SL $85
CIX, Sugar Shack and Powder House $100

#35 Post by **Peter Hirsch** » January 7th, 2021, 9:50 am

I went Max Long. That stuff is so tasty...
Wish tax and shipping wasn't so penal. Adds 15+% to the cost of the juice.
Oh well. 1st world problems.

jhans · #36 Post by **jhans** » January 7th, 2021, 10:00 am

I like these wines but with a minimum case order I will likely pass this time. If anyone is interested in my allocation PM me and you can have it.

Gabe Berk · #37 Post by **Gabe Berk** » January 7th, 2021, 10:41 am

If anyone cares, here are the scores for the Spring release wines from Parker's Wine Advocate:

2019 Lauren Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $120 (97-100 pts)
2019 CIX Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $100 (96-98 pts)
2019 Powder House Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $100 (97-99 pts)
2019 Sugar Shack Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay $100 (96-98 pts)
2019 Eastside Vineyard Russian River Chardonnay $85 (96-98 pts)
2019 UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $85 (96-98 pts)
2019 Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay $85 (97-100pts)

Carneros for the win!!!

#38 Post by **J.Vizuete** » January 7th, 2021, 10:53 am

LPBs article this morning (behind paywall) also has a scoring note for a 2019 Aubert Chardonnay "Park Avenue". I hadn't seen any press on that, but am always excited to try a new site from Aubert. Wonder if it will be released in the summer along with the Hudson (also in the article).

Steve Crawford · January 7th, 2021, 10:55 am

jhans wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 10:00 am I like these wines but with a minimum case order I will likely pass this time. If anyone is interested in my allocation PM me and you can have it.

is this 1 case per 1 shipping address min or 1 case total min ?

park ave, from aubert's site:
2019 Aubert Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 93 – 95

The 2019 Park Avenue Estate is a new wine in the range. It emerges from a 12-acre parcel adjacent to Lauren. It offers a compelling interplay of lemon confit and floral nuances. Naturally, the Park Avenue is not quite as complex or delineated as the other Chardonnays in the lineup, but that will come in time as the vines get older.

crickey · #40 Post by **crickey** » January 7th, 2021, 11:04 am

That last note and score is Galloni's.

crickey · #41 Post by **crickey** » January 7th, 2021, 11:07 am

Gabe Berk wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 10:41 am If anyone cares, here are the scores for the Spring release wines from Parker's Wine Advocate:

2019 Lauren Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $120 (97-100 pts)
2019 CIX Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $100 (96-98 pts)
2019 Powder House Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $100 (97-99 pts)
2019 Sugar Shack Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay $100 (96-98 pts)
2019 Eastside Vineyard Russian River Chardonnay $85 (96-98 pts)
2019 UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $85 (96-98 pts)
2019 Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay $85 (97-100pts)

Carneros for the win!!!

Antonio Galloni's scores in the same order:

Lauren 96-98
CIX 94-96
Powder House 95-97
Sugar Shack 95-97
Eastside 98-100
UV-SL 95-97
Larry Hyde 94-96

January 7th, 2021, 11:28 am

Steve Crawford wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 10:55 am
park ave, from aubert's site:
2019 Aubert Chardonnay Park Avenue Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Score: 93 – 95

The 2019 Park Avenue Estate is a new wine in the range. It emerges from a 12-acre parcel adjacent to Lauren. It offers a compelling interplay of lemon confit and floral nuances. Naturally, the Park Avenue is not quite as complex or delineated as the other Chardonnays in the lineup, but that will come in time as the vines get older.

This note is reproduced from Vinous. Reviews of all the 2019s, including the Pinot Noirs and Hudson Chardonnay (a summer-fall release) from Vinous are available on the Aubert web site ... https://www.aubertwines.com/reviews/vin ... uary-2021/

#43 Post by **ChrisL** » January 7th, 2021, 11:58 am

jhans wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 10:00 am I like these wines but with a minimum case order I will likely pass this time. If anyone is interested in my allocation PM me and you can have it.

6 bottle or 12 bottle cases? Thanks in advance

#44 Post by **Ken Strauss** » January 7th, 2021, 12:59 pm

Scott Jameson wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 9:50 am
Ken Strauss wrote: ↑December 15th, 2020, 10:59 am Last year the range was $85 to $115.
Lauren was $115.
Larry, Eastside and UV-SL $85
Sugar Shack and Powder house $95
CIX $100
Prices up on some this year ...

Lauren is $120
Larry, Eastside and UV-SL $85
CIX, Sugar Shack and Powder House $100

While I don’t like to see any increase I still jumped in head 1st with a 60 bottle purchase.

#45 Post by **Matt A** » January 7th, 2021, 1:40 pm

ChrisL wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 11:58 am 6 bottle or 12 bottle cases? Thanks in advance

+1

#46 Post by **Ryan Gilmour** » January 7th, 2021, 1:56 pm

Matt A wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 1:40 pm
ChrisL wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 11:58 am 6 bottle or 12 bottle cases? Thanks in advance
+1

12

Gabe Berk · #47 Post by **Gabe Berk** » January 7th, 2021, 4:24 pm

Ryan Gilmour wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 1:56 pm
Matt A wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 1:40 pm
ChrisL wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 11:58 am 6 bottle or 12 bottle cases? Thanks in advance
+1
12

12 bottle minimum order?

#48 Post by **Scott Jameson** » January 7th, 2021, 4:43 pm

Gabe Berk wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 4:24 pm
Ryan Gilmour wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 1:56 pm
Matt A wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 1:40 pm

+1
12
12 bottle minimum order?

Yup

January 7th, 2021, 5:22 pm

I don't know if it has changed, but in prior years the 12-bottle minum was for the highfalutin pre-order group.

For those of us in the regular release (January 12, 11AM ET for me) it has been 6 bottles. I have not seen if whether anything is different this release.

#50 Post by **J.Vizuete** » January 7th, 2021, 5:26 pm

Mark Morrissette wrote: ↑January 7th, 2021, 5:22 pm I don't know if it has changed, but in prior years the 12-bottle minum was for the highfalutin pre-order group.

For those of us in the regular release (January 12, 11AM ET for me) it has been 6 bottles. I have not seen if whether anything is different this release.

I have had the same experience. For some reason I was able to log in early last year and min allocation was 12. At 11:00 when the offer opened to tier 2, it changed to 6 bottles. I still went with 12, but if you call Phillip, I’m sure he can clarify