Aubert Lauren Estate Chardonnay 2024 is the definitive expression of Mark Aubert’s winemaking philosophy. Founded in 1999 following his tenures at Peter Michael and Colgin, the estate has become a global benchmark for California Chardonnay. The Lauren Estate, named after Mark's daughter, is widely regarded as the most refined bottling in the lineup—what Aubert himself describes as his definition of perfection.
The Lauren Vineyard Distinction
Situated on the far Sonoma Coast on a former apple orchard site, the vineyard captures a profound maritime influence. The 2024 vintage balances intense concentration with structural tension.
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Critic Scores: Vinous 96–98 / The Wine Palate 99
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Clonal Selection: A meticulous blend of Hyde Old Wente, Hudson, Mount Eden, and a Burgundy Grand Cru selection.
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Technical Signature: "Weightless density"—a concentrated texture that remains remarkably fluid, elegant, and vibrant.
Sensory Profile
Nose: Apricot, lemon confit, and white flower. Tangerine oil, chalk, and crushed stone develop with time, alongside secondary notes of almond croissant.
Palate: Full-bodied yet tightly wound. Layers of stone fruit and citrus emerge through the front, with cardamom, white pepper, and petrichor building through the mid-palate.
Finish: Long and opulent. Resonant stone fruit and a closing mineral salinity that mirrors Grand Cru white Burgundy.
The Sonoma Coast Benchmark
The Lauren Estate sits at the apex of far Sonoma Coast viticulture. Unlike riper inland sites, Lauren benefits from ancient seabed soils and cooling maritime winds, resulting in a Chardonnay that Mark Aubert considers the baseline for elite power and precision.
"Arguably the most consistently top-scored producer of California Chardonnay today."
Technical Specifications
| Producer |
Aubert Wines, Sonoma County, CA |
| Region |
Lauren Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Coast AVA |
| Variety |
100% Chardonnay (Multi-Clone Blend) |
| Vintage |
2024 |
| Vineyard Detail |
Planted 1999; Ancient Seabed Soils |
| Vinification |
Whole-cluster pressed; Fermented in French Oak |
| Bottle Size |
750 ml |
Collector Notes
The Lauren Estate is among the most highly allocated Chardonnays in the world. With a track record of consistent 100-point vintages (including 2018, 2021, and 2023), the 2024 is a high-priority acquisition for serious collectors. Distributed primarily through an exclusive mailing list, secondary market demand routinely exceeds allocation. These bottles are properly stored with original cartons and pristine labels, ensuring the highest provenance for the secondary market.
Recommended Serving
Best enjoyed at 50–55°F in a Burgundy glass. While decanting is not required, a brief swirl in the glass allows the complex aromatics of tangerine oil and spice to unfold. This wine is built to evolve beautifully through 2038.
Food Pairing
This powerful yet precise Chardonnay pairs perfectly with butter-poached lobster, roasted scallops, herb-crusted chicken, or aged Comté.
