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Aubert Wines Summary

333 Silverado Trail
Calistoga ,CA 94515
United States
aubertwines.com


Aubert Wines Description

Located in the heart of Sonoma County, California, Aubert Wines has gained a reputation for producing some of the world's finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Founded by winemaker Mark Aubert in 1999, the winery is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. Aubert's mission is to create wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region while expressing the beauty and complexity of the fruit.

One of the defining characteristics of Aubert Wines is their exceptional vineyard sources. Mark Aubert carefully selects the grapes from prestigious sites in Sonoma and the Napa Valley, such as the highly acclaimed Ritchie Vineyard, Hyde Vineyard, and Lauren Vineyard. These vineyards are known for their cool climate, producing fruit with incredible balance, depth, and acidity. Each vineyard block is meticulously farmed to ensure low yields and optimal ripeness, resulting in wines of exceptional purity and intensity.

Another aspect that sets Aubert Wines apart is their winemaking philosophy. With a combination of traditional and modern techniques, Mark Aubert crafts wines that are both elegant and powerful. The grapes are hand-picked at the peak of ripeness, sorted meticulously, and gently pressed to extract only the finest juice. The wines are then fermented with natural yeasts and aged in carefully selected French oak barrels, allowing the flavors and textures to harmonize and intensify over time.

The wines of Aubert consistently receive critical acclaim and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Their Chardonnays showcase incredible depth and richness, while maintaining a vibrant acidity and freshness. The Pinot Noirs exhibit lush fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and a long, lingering finish. With their unwavering dedication to quality and their meticulous attention to detail, Aubert Wines continues to be a benchmark for excellence in California winemaking.

What Makes Aubert Wines Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Aubert Wines sets itself apart from other wineries in the region of California through its relentless pursuit of excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to quality winemaking. Led by renowned winemaker Mark Aubert, the winery has gained international acclaim for producing some of the most exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines in California.

One key factor that distinguishes Aubert Wines is its focus on small-batch production. The winery firmly believes that great wines are made in the vineyard, and therefore, they carefully select specific vineyard sites that showcase the unique terroir and characteristics of each varietal. By limiting production to small quantities, Aubert can exercise precise control over every aspect of winemaking, ensuring the highest standards of quality.

Another distinguishing factor is the winemaking philosophy employed by Mark Aubert. He believes in expressing the essence of the vineyard and the grape variety, allowing them to shine without overpowering oak or other winemaking techniques. This approach results in wines that possess incredible purity, depth, and finesse. By practicing minimal intervention in the cellar, the natural beauty and complexity of the grapes are preserved, allowing for the creation of truly exceptional wines.

Moreover, the meticulous attention to detail at Aubert Wines is evident throughout the winemaking process. From vineyard management to harvesting, sorting, and fermentation, every step is carefully executed with the aim of crafting wines that beautifully reflect the unique characteristics of each site. With an emphasis on sustainable farming practices and organic viticulture, the winery strives to be a steward of the land, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of their vineyards.

Furthermore, Aubert Wines has built strong relationships with some of the most esteemed vineyard partners in California, allowing them access to exceptional fruit from renowned sites such as Hyde, Ritchie, and Lauren. These partnerships with top vineyards further contribute to the winery's ability to consistently produce wines of remarkable quality and individuality.

Lastly, Aubert Wines has gained a cult-like following among wine enthusiasts and collectors, both locally and globally. Their limited-release wines regularly receive high scores from influential critics and are highly sought after, often selling out upon release. This demand is a testament to the exceptional standards maintained by the winery and the consistent delivery of extraordinary wines year after year.

In conclusion, Aubert Wines distinguishes itself from other wineries in the region through its unwavering pursuit of excellence, meticulous attention to detail, commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of the vineyards, and a winemaking approach that values the purity and expression of the grapes. These factors, coupled with strong vineyard partnerships and a loyal following, have established Aubert Wines as a benchmark for world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in California.

What Some Possible Concerns About Aubert Wines ?

While it is important to highlight the positive aspects of a winery, it is also important to present an objective view of the criticisms or concerns that some visitors may have had about Aubert Wines. Here are a few potential complaints that have been raised about the winery:

1. Limited availability: Some visitors have expressed disappointment with the limited availability of Aubert Wines. Since they produce a small quantity of wine each year, it can be challenging for wine enthusiasts to get their hands on their products.

2. Expensive prices: Aubert Wines is known for producing premium quality wines, but this quality often comes with a steep price tag. Some people feel that their wines are overpriced compared to other wineries in the region.

3. Hard to access for tasting: Due to the winery's small production scale, it can be difficult to secure a reservation for a tasting at Aubert Wines. This exclusivity can be frustrating for visitors who wish to experience their wines firsthand.

4. Lack of amenities or entertainment: While some wineries offer additional amenities such as picnic areas, live music, or guided tours, Aubert Wines primarily focuses on wine tastings without much added entertainment. Individuals looking for a more extensive experience may find it lacking.

5. Limited wine variety: Aubert Wines is primarily known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production, which may not cater to individuals who prefer a wider range of wine varieties.

It is important to keep in mind that these criticisms may not reflect the majority opinion and that other visitors may have had entirely positive experiences at Aubert Wines.

Aubert Wines History

Aubert Wines: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Excellence

Aubert Wines, nestled in the heart of California's Sonoma Coast, is renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. With a dedication to craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality, Aubert Wines has garnered a reputation as one of the state's premier wineries. The history of Aubert Wines is a testament to the vision and passion of its founder, Mark Aubert.

The story of Aubert Wines begins in the late 1990s when Mark Aubert, a talented winemaker with an unmatched palate and a deep understanding of vineyard management, sought to establish his own winery. Having honed his skills at renowned wineries such as Peter Michael and Colgin Cellars, Mark was driven to create wines that would showcase the unique terroir of the Sonoma Coast region.

In 1999, Mark Aubert acquired his first vineyard, which became the foundation for Aubert Wines. This vineyard, located in the highly regarded Russian River Valley, provided the perfect canvas for Mark to exercise his winemaking expertise. With meticulous attention to detail, from meticulously selecting the best clones to implementing sustainable farming practices, Mark soon crafted wines that captured the essence of the region's cool climate and distinctive limestone soil.

However, it wasn't until 2000 that the first vintage of Aubert Wines was released. This inaugural release, consisting of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, was met with critical acclaim. Wine enthusiasts and critics alike were captivated by the wines' elegance, complexity, and the unique expression of the vineyard's character.

Building on this success, Mark Aubert continued to expand his portfolio of vineyards throughout the Sonoma Coast. Each vineyard site possessed its own distinct microclimate and soil composition, allowing for a diverse range of expressions in his wines. From the renowned UV-SL Vineyard to the sublime Ritchie Vineyard, each vineyard provided a new dimension to the Aubert Wines collection.

Mark's unwavering pursuit of excellence led him to adopt a hands-on approach in the vineyards. He dedicated countless hours to personally overseeing vineyard management practices, ensuring that each grape cluster would reach its full potential. From the careful pruning of vines to the precise timing of harvest, no detail was overlooked in his quest for perfection.

In the cellar, Mark employed traditional winemaking techniques combined with innovative approaches to create wines of unparalleled depth and character. Utilizing a delicate touch, he fermented the grapes in small oak barrels, allowing for a gentle extraction of flavors and textures. This gentle handling, combined with extended barrel aging, resulted in wines that exhibited a harmonious balance between opulence and freshness.

Over the years, Aubert Wines has received numerous accolades, including consistent high ratings from esteemed wine critics. The wines have come to be recognized as benchmarks of the California wine industry, with each vintage showcasing the remarkable talent and passion that Mark Aubert pours into his craft.

Today, Aubert Wines continues to be a paragon of excellence in the world of California winemaking. Mark Aubert's unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with the unique microclimates of the Sonoma Coast, ensures that each bottle of Aubert Wines holds a story of meticulous craftsmanship and a genuine expression of place. Whether enjoyed in the company of friends, paired with a gourmet meal, or savored alone, Aubert Wines offers an unforgettable experience that carries with it the taste and spirit of the Sonoma Coast.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel