When I am tasting with Mark Aubert it always seems to be that his personal favorite is the Lauren Vineyard. Another blockbuster the 2009 Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard is slightly less dense and lower in alcohol than the 2008. Its straw/green color is followed by crisp aromas of apple butter lemon oil orange blossoms brioche and a subtle hint of smoke. The remarkable characteristic in all these Chardonnays is how little influence their 100% new French oak aging has had in their aromatic and flavor profiles. This 2009 should drink well for 7-8 years.