Aubert Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard 2013

WA98-100: The 2013 Chardonnay East Side (1,000 cases produced) comes from a vineyard owned by Ulises Valdez and planted with the Montrachet clone. It is the rockiest site in the Aubert portfolio. Amazingly, it sees 100% new oak, but you would never know that from smelling or tasting the wine. Copious aromas of wet rocks, almond paste, honeysuckle, pineapple and white peach are followed by a full-bodied, stunningly rich yet crisp, vibrant, zesty Chardonnay that should drink well for a minimum of 10 years.

VM95+: The 2013 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is one of the most tightly wound wines in this range. White pepper, crushed rocks, smoke, mint and lemon peel gradually open up, but only with great reluctance. Today, it is the wine's energy and tension that stand out above all else. A vivid, mineral-drenched finish rounds things out in style.