Aubert Spring Release

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#1 Post by **Frank Z** » January 7th, 2019, 12:24 pm

So it seems right after I got onto Kistler's mailing list last year, Aubert has moved me from their waiting list to mailing list. For those who have bought Aubert for a while now, whats the best way (aside from what they put on in their press section of their website) you can describe each single vineyard Chardonnay? What about the new vineyard (Powder House) they are releasing for the 2017 vintage? Any advice for a newbie (e.g. is the minimum order still 6 bottles?), given the release is coming up next week (Jan 15th)?

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate it!

#2 Post by **Mark Christenson** » January 7th, 2019, 2:23 pm

The wines are made in such a way that the differences are vineyard-driven (Mark picks at the same brix, vinifies the each vineyard the same, uses the same oak treatment, etc.). E.g., the cooler Larry Hyde & Sons wine tastes like a cooler climate wine than the wine made from the the warmer Sugar Shack Vineyard. That said, stylistically they are ripe, California Chardonnay aged in oak. I personally think they are some of the best white wines made in the state, but if you read enough threads on this board you'll find that some people have palates that are at the other end of the spectrum from mine and therefore do not find any pleasure in these wines. Given you're on the Kistler list then I believe you would find these to be up your alley.

#3 Post by **Anton D** » January 7th, 2019, 2:24 pm

Mark Christenson wrote: ↑
January 7th, 2019, 2:23 pm
The wines are made in such a way that the differences are vineyard-driven (Mark picks at the same brix, vinifies the each vineyard the same, uses the same oak treatment, etc.). E.g., the cooler Larry Hyde & Sons wine tastes like a cooler climate wine than the wine made from the the warmer Sugar Shack Vineyard. That said, stylistically they are ripe, California Chardonnay aged in oak. I personally think they are some of the best white wines made in the state, but if you read enough threads on this board you'll find that some people have palates that are at the other end of the spectrum from mine and therefore do not find any pleasure in these wines. Given you're on the Kistler list then I believe you would find these to be up your alley.

Perfectly said.

NED VALOIS · #4 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 7th, 2019, 2:28 pm

Don't buy !

Save 'em all for me !!!!

(They are my go to white for any great occasion !)

Steve M · #5 Post by **Steve M** » January 8th, 2019, 7:13 pm

I am looking forward to the 2017s replenishing for this summer! Not sure what the offer will be but Powder House is listed as being offered but allos will vary based on a variety of factors. FCFS!

#6 Post by **Sc0tt F!tzger@ld** » January 8th, 2019, 7:55 pm

IMO, they're a step up from Kistler.

#7 Post by **Anton D** » January 8th, 2019, 7:59 pm

NED VALOIS wrote: ↑
January 7th, 2019, 2:28 pm
Don't buy !

Save 'em all for me !!!!

(They are my go to white for any great occasion !)

I hear ya!

Of all the wines we serve, Aubert generates the most “how do I find this?” responses!

#8 Post by **Ron F r e e d** » January 9th, 2019, 11:04 am

Scott Fitzgerald wrote: ↑
January 8th, 2019, 7:55 pm
IMO, they're a step up from Kistler.

Absolutely! And IMHO they also age quite a bit better.

Dave McCloskey · #9 Post by **Dave McCloskey** » January 9th, 2019, 11:49 am

I put my request in for CIX vineyard.

#10 Post by **Charles Hetzel** » January 9th, 2019, 11:58 am

The offering doesn't go live until 1/15 - curious how you 'put in a request for CIX Vineyard'?

Dave McCloskey · #11 Post by **Dave McCloskey** » January 9th, 2019, 12:03 pm

Charles Hetzel wrote: ↑
January 9th, 2019, 11:58 am
The offering doesn't go live until 1/15 - curious how you 'put in a request for CIX Vineyard'?

Friend received an email from Aubert, sent it out to a small group and I told him what I wanted. Been doing it this way for years.

NED VALOIS · #12 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 9th, 2019, 4:40 pm

I would not advertise that !

#13 Post by **Brian Pinci** » January 9th, 2019, 5:45 pm

Love these Chardonnays, along with Peter Michael and Kistler

JohnP · #14 Post by **JohnP** » January 9th, 2019, 8:07 pm

Scott Fitzgerald wrote: ↑
January 8th, 2019, 7:55 pm
IMO, they're a step up from Kistler.

Totally agree, but I'd say two steps up from Kistler. Not much better than Aubert in CA.

NED VALOIS · #15 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 11th, 2019, 9:37 pm

JohnP wrote: ↑
January 9th, 2019, 8:07 pm

Scott Fitzgerald wrote: ↑
January 8th, 2019, 7:55 pm
IMO, they're a step up from Kistler.
Totally agree, but I'd say two steps up from Kistler. Not much better than Aubert in CA.

If you find one better ,please give it up !

#16 Post by **Doug Schulman** » January 12th, 2019, 9:31 am

JohnP wrote: ↑
January 9th, 2019, 8:07 pm

Scott Fitzgerald wrote: ↑
January 8th, 2019, 7:55 pm
IMO, they're a step up from Kistler.
Totally agree, but I'd say two steps up from Kistler. Not much better than Aubert in CA.

I've had a fair amount of each, both young and aged, and I agree. I don't think anyone does this style better. I'm not a buyer anymore for a number of reasons, but I still get excited each time I open a bottle. Thankfully I still have a few.

#17 Post by **jeffruggels** » January 13th, 2019, 9:28 pm

agree best (or co-best with PM) of this style, and they generally age beautifully. Had the 01 Quarry vineyard a couple of months back and it was amazing

NED VALOIS · #18 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 13th, 2019, 9:31 pm

And open tomorrow !

Mattias Jansson · #19 Post by **Mattias Jansson** » January 14th, 2019, 8:15 am

Ordering open now - I just placed my order

NED VALOIS · #20 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 14th, 2019, 8:20 am

In gargantuan !

#21 Post by **Mark Morrissette** » January 14th, 2019, 9:02 am

Mattias Jansson wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 8:15 am
Ordering open now - I just placed my order

Interesting... My email said it opens tomorrow (Jan 15). I just logged in and still says "no allocation.". I am new to the list this year; I wonder if they do a staged release? People who have been on longer get earlier access?

#22 Post by **jeffruggels** » January 14th, 2019, 9:06 am

i have been ordering for over a decade and nothing available

#23 Post by **Scott Jameson** » January 14th, 2019, 9:15 am

Mark Morrissette wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 9:02 am
Interesting... My email said it opens tomorrow (Jan 15). I just logged in and still says "no allocation.". I am new to the list this year; I wonder if they do a staged release? People who have been on longer get earlier access?

I'm not sure what criteria Aubert uses, but some do get "priority access" a day before the general release.

NED VALOIS · #24 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 14th, 2019, 10:18 am

Priority ! (BUT give them a call and I think you can score )

0

#25 Post by **Scott Jameson** » January 14th, 2019, 11:17 am

While Aubert's offerings are "first come, first served", I don't know that your allocation is at risk if you log in when the release opens tomorrow. I know from experience that if you wait a few days you may miss one or two of the bottlings that you were originally allocated, but even in that case, you may be able to get some via wishlist.

#26 Post by **Jim Clary** » January 14th, 2019, 11:32 am

I agree with the comments that Aubert is a step or two above Kistler. I have been on the Kistler list since the late 1990's, and have dropped off recently. We don't drink a lot of Chardonnay these days, so my allocation from Aubert (which I don't maximize) is more than enough, along with a few bottles of Kongsgaard and our Marcassin allocation. Other favorites that I no longer buy simply due to not drinking enough Chardonnay include Morlet, Paul Lato, Littorai, Peter Michael, and Rhys. All outstanding wines, but one can only drink so much.

#27 Post by **Ken Strauss** » January 14th, 2019, 12:10 pm

Allocation e-mail arrived and my order is in!

#28 Post by **Frank Z** » January 14th, 2019, 12:23 pm

Would someone be so kind to post the pricing on the SVD chards for this year's release?

Also, out of curiosity,
1. Is holding wines for pickup an option?
2. Is there still a minimum order of 6/12 bottles required?

Thanks! Looking forward to tomorrow!

#29 Post by **Scott Jameson** » January 14th, 2019, 12:46 pm

Frank Z wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 12:23 pm
Just out of curiosity - is holding wines for pickup an option?

Holding wines for pickup hasn't been an option. The closest alternative seems to be delivery to local storage facilities or picking up at Wineshipping. The release email did talk about their renovated winery and an upcoming announcement about visiting it. Maybe pick up at the winery will be possible in the future ? I wouldn't count on it, but ...

#30 Post by **Scott Jameson** » January 14th, 2019, 12:49 pm

Frank Z wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 12:23 pm
Would someone be so kind to post the pricing on the SVD chards for this year's release?

Also, out of curiosity,
1. Is holding wines for pickup an option?
2. Is there still a minimum order of 6/12 bottles required?

Thanks! Looking forward to tomorrow!

12 bottle minimum ...

2017 CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $100.00

2017 Eastside Vineyard Russian River Chardonnay $85.00

2017 Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay $85.00

2017 Lauren Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $100.00

2017 Powder House Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $90.00

2017 Sugar Shack Estate Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay $95.00

2017 UV-SL Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $85.00

#31 Post by **Frank Z** » January 14th, 2019, 12:50 pm

Scott Jameson wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 12:46 pm

Frank Z wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 12:23 pm
Just out of curiosity - is holding wines for pickup an option?
Holding wines for pickup hasn't been an option. The closest alternative seems to be delivery to local storage facilities or picking up at Wineshipping. The release email did talk about their renovated winery and an upcoming announcement about visiting it. Maybe pick up at the winery will be possible in the future ? I wouldn't count on it, but ...

Thanks Scott! I really appreciate the information!

Shay_A · #32 Post by **Shay_A** » January 14th, 2019, 12:57 pm

I think there has been a 6 bottle minimum in the past, but that could have changed recently.

BenW · #33 Post by **BenW** » January 14th, 2019, 1:26 pm

I just got off the waitlist but if it's a 12 bottle minimum I'm not going to participate.

#34 Post by **Frank Z** » January 14th, 2019, 1:37 pm

BenW wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 1:26 pm
I just got off the waitlist but if it's a 12 bottle minimum I'm not going to participate.

tbh, I was thinking along the same lines. I guess we'll find out for ourselves tomorrow. Maybe the "priority" customers have a higher minimum order?

#35 Post by **Sc0tt F!tzger@ld** » January 14th, 2019, 3:20 pm

Frank Z wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 1:37 pm

BenW wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 1:26 pm
I just got off the waitlist but if it's a 12 bottle minimum I'm not going to participate.
tbh, I was thinking along the same lines. I guess we'll find out for ourselves tomorrow. Maybe the "priority" customers have a higher minimum order?

That’s right. Folks who jump in tomorrow have 6 bottle minimum.

#36 Post by **Bob Davis** » January 14th, 2019, 5:50 pm

BenW wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 1:26 pm
I just got off the waitlist but if it's a 12 bottle minimum I'm not going to participate.

Yep. I don't have Marcassin money any more.

#37 Post by **J.Vizuete** » January 14th, 2019, 6:23 pm

Frank Z wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 1:37 pm

BenW wrote: ↑
January 14th, 2019, 1:26 pm
I just got off the waitlist but if it's a 12 bottle minimum I'm not going to participate.
tbh, I was thinking along the same lines. I guess we'll find out for ourselves tomorrow. Maybe the "priority" customers have a higher minimum order?

6 bottle min for me each year for the last 4. Regular Joe buyer

#38 Post by **R. Gleiberm@n** » January 15th, 2019, 8:11 am

Open as of now for me. Passing due to forced cutbacks although I love the wines. That said, I find the new 12 bottle minimum, I though it used to be 4 but maybe 6, to be ridiculous. If I was buying like I traditionally did, I would not have bought 12. Happy to pass mine along at cost to anyone who wants.

#39 Post by **Frank Z** » January 15th, 2019, 8:24 am

Open for me too. Was not offered to select wines separately, instead offered a 6pk set consisting of (3) Larry Hyde, (1) Eastside, (1) UV-SL, and (1) Powder House for $515.

Unfortunately, not the combo I wished for (80 dollars in tax and shipping doesn’t help either) so I’ll be passing.

Josh H · #40 Post by **Josh H** » January 15th, 2019, 8:28 am

First time on the list and was extremely excited about ordering. My hope was to be able to order a bottle each of 6 of the wines. However, my offer was a pre-selected group of 6, to include 1 each of Powder House, UV-SL, and Eastside, and 3 bottles of Larry Hyde. I’ll probably pass as I don’t like pre-selected offerings, and I wasn’t interested in half of my purchase being the same wine.

I’m sure others would really enjoy this offer though, so I hope others enjoy their purchases!

Shay_A · #41 Post by **Shay_A** » January 15th, 2019, 8:38 am

I was also offered 2 6-packs of pre-selected wine. My understanding is that this is done for first time buyers, and next time there will be flexibility in what you would like to order.

Also, according to a close friend, the 12 bottle minimum was put in place for those who wanted to order early last year. Once the official release time opened, it dropped to 6. Not sure it will happen again this year, but possibly.

#42 Post by **J.Vizuete** » January 15th, 2019, 8:41 am

I have had 6 bottle min in the past but had it raised to 12 this year. I will call to see if it can be reduced. If not, that's a big pill to swallow, however delicious the wines are..

Peter Hirsch · #43 Post by **Peter Hirsch** » January 15th, 2019, 8:56 am

The shipping is a killer as it's 2 day. Ground would cut the price by $70 per case, or $6 per bottle. That's like a 2nd tax on the wine. Ah well, they are fantastic, what are you gonna do...
In a world where Harlan charges what, $700 per bottle? Aubert at $100 or so is value.

NED VALOIS · #44 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 15th, 2019, 9:00 am

Tell them, I did !

#45 Post by **Scott Jameson** » January 15th, 2019, 9:17 am

I may be able to help out someone local (Houston TX) or who will be in the area … PM is best.

#46 Post by **Sc0tt F!tzger@ld** » January 15th, 2019, 10:20 am

I just placed my order of 6 bottles. Been buying since the 2012 vintage and was offered what I bought last year, with the exception of Sugar Shack, which was offered as a wish list item.

For those on the fence, all I can tell you is that IMO, these are the finest chardonnays in North America. I don't drink grand cru white burgundy, but many who do state these wines are in the same tier as some of the best France has to offer. The difference being that Aubert is considerably less than what you'd pay for a top white burg.

Just some food for thought...

debbie holm · #47 Post by **debbie holm** » January 15th, 2019, 10:37 am

Minimum 6 bottles - I've been buying since 2005. Love the wines but as everyone here says, shipping is PAINFUL.

#48 Post by **J.Vizuete** » January 15th, 2019, 10:38 am

So I was impatient and logged in Before 11 AM. At that point my offer was 12 bottles. Automatically refreshed later and the minimum was six.. Patience remains a virtue

YouTube · #49 Post by **SeanHarding** » January 15th, 2019, 10:59 am

Ordered (I had a 6 min, but ordered more than that).

BenW · #50 Post by **BenW** » January 15th, 2019, 12:14 pm

I ordered a mixed six (2x UV-SL, 2x Powder House, 1x Lauren, 1x CIX) but left the others on the table (no offer for Sugar Shack)... it pained me not to take more but I'm spread too thin.