Aubert Chardonnay Carneros Larry Hyde & Sons 2016

Mark Aubert is a master of California Chardonnay, and Larry Hyde owns one of the most coveted vineyard sites in the Carneros district of southern Napa County. This wine stands as a testament to their mutual talents and expertise. The Larry Hyde & Sons vineyard, first planted in 1979 and now covering 200 acres, features shallow soils that produce intensely flavored grapes, while cool breezes from nearby San Pablo Bay enhance freshness and acidity. Aubert makes a total of eight Chardonnays from Napa and Sonoma, led quality-wise in 2016 by the Hyde bottling. They are hedonistic and powerful, the product of long, cool barrel fermentations, mostly in new French oak.

Tasting Note

Voluptuous and creamy, with densely packed flavors of apple pastry, pear tart and peach and hints of mango that are long and rich. The plush, complex finish is filled with notes of spice and dried herbs. Drink now through 2026.—Kim Marcus