The 2013 Chardonnay Eastside is from a vineyard owned by Ulises Valdez, and planted with the Montrachet clone on the very low-yielding rootstock called riparia gloire. This wine displays terrific intensity, plenty of stony minerality, and great precision in its notes of subtle white peach, pineapple, almond paste, brioche and crème brûlée. This is a killer wine and a perfect example of 2013 Chardonnay at its best. I never thought this wine could hit this peak, but the proof is in the tasting, and the wine, which was somewhat shy and reserved after bottling, has truly come to life over the last three to four months. This five-acre vineyard sits on a west-facing hill on Eastside Road in the Russian River. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.-RP

A terrific showing, the 2013 Chardonnay Eastside boasts a still light gold color as well as sensational minerality and matchstick aromas and flavors that are hard to find outside of Burgundy. Rich, powerful, and layered on the palate, it has remarkable purity of fruit, integrated acidity, and perfect balance. It’s another magical Chardonnay from Mark Aubert. Bravo.