96 -98 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2007

The 2006 Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard looks to be the best of the litter, so to speak, in this vintage. Striking liquid minerality intermixed with quince, citrus blossom, crushed rocks, and white flowers are all present in this exceptionally concentrated, beautifully pure Chardonnay that, despite being aged in 100% new oak, reveals very little oak. This is another spectacular Chardonnay from Mark Aubert. It should drink nicely for 3-4 years, as I suspect these 2006s are on a faster evolutionary track than the 2005s. Obviously, there is no 2006 Quarry or Reuling Chardonnay. Mark Aubert is on the move, leaving Colgin Winery in favor of working for the Bryant Family Vineyard, while at the same time producing some of the world's greatest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. He seems to have a plate filled with both potential and stress. The bad news is that one of his suppliers decided his Chardonnays were just too profound for the Quarry Vineyard, and will no longer sell him fruit from that source, and in 2006, there was so little Reuling available, that cuvee was not made either. In short, there are two fewer Chardonnays for the 2006 vintage! Nevertheless, those who got on the mailing list and secured some of his 2005 Chardonnays have some of the finest Chardonnays ever made in California at their beck and call. Of course, these are made from old Wente clones of Chardonnay, given full malolactic, aged on their lees, and bottled with no clarification.

92 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, June 2008

Palish green-yellow. Intriguing aromas of white peach, green tea, pear, nectarine, spices and minerals. Dense and powerful, but the flavors of nectarine and minerals are kept fresh by a green-appley acidity and a minty nuance. I find this stony, flinty wine a bit youthfully musclebound today. The slightly dry-edged finish features good spicy lift and a suggestion of butterscotch.

93 points,

Wine Spectator, July 2008

Pure, complex fruit is shaded by mineral and light cedary wood, yet the core fruit flavors of ripe white peach, apricot and subtle pear flavors make for an intriguing flavor profile. Needs time. Best from 2009 through 2014.

About Winery

Aubert Wines is a boutique producer that is owned and operated by Mark Aubert. He is also the winemaker at Colgin, where he took over for Helen Turley.

Until 1999, Aubert was the winemaker at Peter Michael. While working for this Knights Valley winery, he developed the exceptional Les Pavots red Bordeaux blend. He also was the winemaker at Sloan for a few years, and helped to develop their reputation.

After leaving Peter Michael, Aubert began working as a consultant and also started plans for his own label. In 2000, he purchased 7 acres of Chardonnay vines in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Since then, he has planted several additional acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the cool climate of Western Sonoma County. He also sources a few tons of Chardonnay each year from Peter Michael.

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