Aubert Ritchie Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2004
I’m usually not one to spend a lot of money on a Chardonnay, as I strongly feel, for around $30 or so you can have a fantastic bottle that fires on all cylinders. However, I do find myself splurging ever so often. Whether it’s a good review or a hard to find bottle that I happen upon, sometimes I spend around $80. Yes, I know, that is a lot to spend, and my wife would agree with you, but sometimes you just do it.
Mark Aubert, the renowned winemaker who worked for the Peter Michael Winery and has been at Colgin Cellars since 1999, has his own project, Aubert, which continues to receive good reviews from the experts. I purchased two different Chardonnay’s off of their mailing list, mainly because Mr. Parker was generous with his scores. I opened this Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, from the Ritchie Vineyard, and although I enjoyed it, I didn’t as much as RP, who rated it 94-96 pts. For the money, I was a little disappointed, which has left me with a new motto: just drink wine that’s good, and inexpensive.
Wine: 2004 Aubert Ritchie Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Notes: A very nice wine, straw colored and cloudy with a fresh nose of lemon grass and apple, bright acidity with flavors of vanilla and apple, and a touch of oak. A very nice mouthfeel and finish. This bottle seems like it would age nicely, and perhaps isn’t showing full potential right now.
Score: 92 JAT
June 6th, 2006 at 8:35 pm
This is probably one of my favorite California Chardonnays ever. Not easy to find. Where did you pick it up ?
June 7th, 2006 at 2:14 pm
Mailing list. I signed up about 6 months ago, and got allocated a few bottles this spring. They must have increased production or had a few list members drop off.
July 1st, 2006 at 1:19 pm
How do I buy your wine?
ERS
July 3rd, 2006 at 7:23 am
Eugene,
I would recommend signing up on the waiting list, as this wine is pretty difficult to find. Here is the link where you can do that..
http://www.aubertwines.com/mailinglist/