Took this to dinner at Finestra, a great corkage friendly restaurant in Sea Isle City, NJ. First bottle of this designate from this vintage. Chilled, decanted and rebottled prior to going to the restaurant. It had been open an hour+ before drinking.
Medium gold color. Nose showing orchard fruits, peach, lemon zest, and oyster shell. Signature rich Aubert palate, showing peach, lemon tart/citrus, honey, allspice and chalk(?). Fruit comes through in layers thorugh the mid palate, texture is elegant. Full body and long finish.
This is a decadent example of what Aubert can be - big and lush while showing elegance in texture and finish. This one still drinking young as it enters its 6th year. Should drink at this level for some time. Great showing
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Decanted 45 minutes before service. In the glass, clear, medium-pale gold. On the nose, freshly-grated lemon pith and smoke. On the palate, preserved lemon and more smoke - very assertive in both elements on the palate. Texturally, silky at first, but those assertive elements take over after a few seconds, leading to a bracing, almost biting finish. The other fruit and floral notes I've come to expect from Aubert were absent here; based on other reviews and past experience with other bottlings, I suspect this performance is atypical. Will check in again in a few more years...
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Decanted one (1) hour. Took some coaxing. Displays aromas of white peach, pear, melon, lemon curd, dairy & honeysuckle. Angular on opening which I would attribute to truncated decant and serving temperature. Gained a head of steam with air and as temperature rose. Beautifully textured. Layers of orchard fruit flavors are joined harmoniously with honeyed accents set upon a mineral foundation. Elevated viscosity with active acidity delivers balanced presence on the palate leading to a long mouthcoating finish. Excellent effort that should drink well through the decade.
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Very lush, very Aubert, guava, baked apple, but this one with extra stiff minerality around the sides of the palate. It’s great stuff, but not as great as Lauren or Eastside. There’s a reason those come at a premium.
Score: 92. Relative to expectations: ++
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Similar to previous bottles. Orchard fruit on the nose. The palate was peach, guava and a little oak with hints of vanilla that came out on the long finish. Really enjoyable wine.
Similar to the bottle I had a few months back. Opened an hour prior to dinner. The nose was orchard fruit with a little oak. The palate was peach, pear, a hint of orange and a touch of vanilla leading to a moderately long finish. Served with pan seared then oven roasted salmon.
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This wine had it all. Great acidity, tropical fruits and citrus on the nose and palate, and a long lasting finish. Drank next to the 2018 Larry Hyde, and in my opinion, this one was the clear winner. It was much brighter, fresher, and just stood out. A great wine, and always fun to compare Aubert wines.
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Opened an hour prior to dinner. The nose was orchard fruit with a little oak. The palate was peach, pear, a hint of orange and a touch of vanilla leading to a moderately long finish. Served with grilled marinated swordfish.
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Notes from corkage a few weeks ago at Enoteca Sogno in Richmond.
Chilled slightly from cellar temp, only to have the 95 degree Virginia heat ensure that the 1st glass still came off a bit hot (literally temperature wise) which stifled the nose a bit, but after we brought it back down it was excellent. Really evolved in the glass and the bouquet / finish both really peaked about 30-60 min in. Think we’d decant next time. Medium+ finish.
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Classic Aubert complexity with notes of citrus, lemon curd, yellow peach and honeysuckle. Terrific minerality on the finish with a beautiful balance with each sip. However, unlike most single vineyard's, this chardonnay did not have the intense concentration as many others. Still excellent...just not quite the VERY high standards of Aubert.
Purchased direct from the winery. Decanted in a Grassl Carafe for 1+ hours at 55 degrees in a U-Line U-Chill. Consumed out of a Zalto Den'Art Burgundy Glass at 55 degrees over an additional 3+ hours. Paired with cold wather lobster tail.
The color was light to medium yellow. The aromas were of white flowers and butter. The palate was of citrus and orchard fruit, some minerality and a oak influence consisting of butter and a hint of vanilla. It was full bodied with medium acidity. There was some heat present. It is a little disjointed but it may all come together in another 12 months of cellaring.
My score 94+ and has the potential of 96 if it becomes more balanced with time.
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This round and layered Chardonnay is quite pleasing - but it's not at the level of the other Aubert 2018s. The only Chardonnay Aubert makes from a Napa vineyard, the Sugar Shack is often the most viscous and nutty of the lineup - and the 2018 is no different. I buy most all of the Aubert whites, but - if I had to sacrifice one of them - this would be the first to go.
Light yellow in color and full in body, the wine offers aromas of pear, nectarine, and shaved almond. Flavors of peach, lemon confit, hazelnut, and vanilla bean, with a soft and lifted finish. 15% alcohol. My favorite aspect of the Aubert wines is their density and edge - so powerful, so precise - and this just tastes a little flabby (more George Foreman than Evander Holyfield). 93 for now, but maybe give it another year.
Explosive nose of amaretto, honey dew, yellow peach, mint. Mouth coating richness, fruit is bright, sweet yet some how mineral salty at the same time. Lively grapefruit acidity finishes a very complete wine.
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Two hour double decant. Straw color. Coconut cream pie, lemon zest, and cream cheese on the nose. Smooth, dry, glossy palate, with nice acidity that provides good structure.
This is a bit more savory than a typical buttery Chardonnay. It’s clearly well made and there’s a light touch on the oak.
Pale color. Nose is great, green melon, pear and honey. Beautiful wine. Great, super long palate, acidity, white fruits. Aubert just crushing it. Burgundian…if that doesn’t undersell it. Note: Read notes about too much oak. Don’t get it. Not this bottle.
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Over ripe, overly oaky and spicy. the score is a reflection of my personal taste. It is well made, and it pairs well with risotto. But in its own, it is not a style that I like.
Beautiful golden color with slow legs. Lemon grass, banana and honey suckle on the nose. White pepper, star fruit, lime and pear on the palate. Long creamy finish
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Mark Aubert's 2018 Sugar Shack is absolutely stunning even at this early junction, offering a beautiful nose of orange peel, honeysuckle, spice, and vanillin. The vibrancy of Aubert's wines this vintage is off the charts, with bright acidity and a weightless texture. Excellent length. Very good, even today.
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Vanilla, creamy honeyed citrus and graham cracker crust on the nose. Medium to full bodied on the palate, with some spice on the finish. In a primary phase, but dinking surprisingly well for such a young wine. Could use more time in the bottle and should improve.
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Double decanted about 2 hours before service. The nose was tight at first, but gradually presented a pretty, oily lemon aroma. The palate showed subtle, elegant fruit, lemon, hint of peach, spice. Lovely acidity, great balance. Finishes long and spicy. No hint of oak at all. This may well pick up weight with a few years in bottle. 93 points with possible upside.
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Beautiful wine even at this young age. While it has bold new world Chardonnay fruit, there is finesse and creamy texture to this wine that puts it all in balance. More tropical fruit driven than citrus or oak driven. Bright and vibrant.
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Smoky notes, possibly nutty. Very well integrated. Oak is not apparent and alcohol is not taking over. Delicious and approachable. Bright notes, not too much acid.
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Toasted brioche and lemongrass on the nose. Silky mouthfeel with nice acidity. This wine has a nice finish as well. You can certainly enjoy now or hold for a year or two. Check out @west_coast_wino on Instagram for more great recommendations, reviews and stories.
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Double decanted, followed by slow ox for five hours (per Aubert’s instructions). Bright straw color. Quince, lemon curd, charred corn and subtle creme brûlée on the nose. Ultra-creamy, full bodied palate, with soft acidity and subtle beam of candied pineapple. Finish is simultaneously firm and plush.
This was my first Aubert single vineyard Chardonnay. It’s beautiful, but not yet as amazing as I’d heard. Should improve in a few years.
Decanted for 2 hours before tasting. I love the way Aubert Chardonnay comes together. It seems well-knitted, if that makes sense: toasty yet fruity, and each vineyard has a different, memorable profile. This was my first time trying Sugar Shack and I loved it: yellow plum and white tea with subtle mint and pine notes. Amazing, lots of subtlety here if you have the patience to decant for a couple of hours. Glad I did: This wine is wonderful.
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2/18/2024 - walkerjfw wrote: 97 Points
Took this to dinner at Finestra, a great corkage friendly restaurant in Sea Isle City, NJ. First bottle of this designate from this vintage. Chilled, decanted and rebottled prior to going to the restaurant. It had been open an hour+ before drinking.
Medium gold color. Nose showing orchard fruits, peach, lemon zest, and oyster shell. Signature rich Aubert palate, showing peach, lemon tart/citrus, honey, allspice and chalk(?). Fruit comes through in layers thorugh the mid palate, texture is elegant. Full body and long finish.
This is a decadent example of what Aubert can be - big and lush while showing elegance in texture and finish. This one still drinking young as it enters its 6th year. Should drink at this level for some time. Great showing
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2/6/2024 - jshufelt wrote: 92 Points
Decanted 45 minutes before service. In the glass, clear, medium-pale gold. On the nose, freshly-grated lemon pith and smoke. On the palate, preserved lemon and more smoke - very assertive in both elements on the palate. Texturally, silky at first, but those assertive elements take over after a few seconds, leading to a bracing, almost biting finish. The other fruit and floral notes I've come to expect from Aubert were absent here; based on other reviews and past experience with other bottlings, I suspect this performance is atypical. Will check in again in a few more years...
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11/17/2023 - gpcoleman Likes this wine: 94 Points
Aerated first, then took my time drinking a glass. Wow!
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11/11/2023 - SouthernStateofMind wrote:
Decanted one (1) hour. Took some coaxing. Displays aromas of white peach, pear, melon, lemon curd, dairy & honeysuckle. Angular on opening which I would attribute to truncated decant and serving temperature. Gained a head of steam with air and as temperature rose. Beautifully textured. Layers of orchard fruit flavors are joined harmoniously with honeyed accents set upon a mineral foundation. Elevated viscosity with active acidity delivers balanced presence on the palate leading to a long mouthcoating finish. Excellent effort that should drink well through the decade.
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8/25/2023 - Eric4384 wrote: 98 Points
Beautiful
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8/25/2023 - JJYoyo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very lush, very Aubert, guava, baked apple, but this one with extra stiff minerality around the sides of the palate. It’s great stuff, but not as great as Lauren or Eastside. There’s a reason those come at a premium.
Score: 92. Relative to expectations: ++
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7/30/2023 - Jhalpern27 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Always my favorite from the Aubert lineup
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7/12/2023 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 94 Points
Amazing
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6/4/2023 - shaferguy91 wrote: 92 Points
Very good but not one of my favorite Auberts.
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5/18/2023 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
Similar to previous bottles. Orchard fruit on the nose. The palate was peach, guava and a little oak with hints of vanilla that came out on the long finish. Really enjoyable wine.
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5/17/2023 - vhillmd@yahoo.com Likes this wine: 92 Points
Orchard Fruity, steeled, apple full bodied. Beautiful amber color. I will miss this wine!!!
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3/27/2023 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 94 Points
Amazing - love this
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2/15/2023 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
Similar to the bottle I had a few months back. Opened an hour prior to dinner. The nose was orchard fruit with a little oak. The palate was peach, pear, a hint of orange and a touch of vanilla leading to a moderately long finish. Served with pan seared then oven roasted salmon.
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12/31/2022 - Gregmonroe wrote:
This wine had it all. Great acidity, tropical fruits and citrus on the nose and palate, and a long lasting finish. Drank next to the 2018 Larry Hyde, and in my opinion, this one was the clear winner. It was much brighter, fresher, and just stood out. A great wine, and always fun to compare Aubert wines.
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12/11/2022 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
Opened an hour prior to dinner. The nose was orchard fruit with a little oak. The palate was peach, pear, a hint of orange and a touch of vanilla leading to a moderately long finish. Served with grilled marinated swordfish.
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11/11/2022 - nkirsch Likes this wine: 93 Points
wonderful balance of fruit, flavor, smooth with a little acidity
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8/18/2022 - Slwojdyla Likes this wine: 93 Points
Notes from corkage a few weeks ago at Enoteca Sogno in Richmond.
Chilled slightly from cellar temp, only to have the 95 degree Virginia heat ensure that the 1st glass still came off a bit hot (literally temperature wise) which stifled the nose a bit, but after we brought it back down it was excellent. Really evolved in the glass and the bouquet / finish both really peaked about 30-60 min in. Think we’d decant next time. Medium+ finish.
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3/25/2022 - beau11 wrote: 93 Points
Agree w schiffy. I wouldn’t say this bottle was flabby but its just not delicious as the best auberts. Slight smokiness detracted
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2/7/2022 - Schiffy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic Aubert complexity with notes of citrus, lemon curd, yellow peach and honeysuckle. Terrific minerality on the finish with a beautiful balance with each sip. However, unlike most single vineyard's, this chardonnay did not have the intense concentration as many others. Still excellent...just not quite the VERY high standards of Aubert.
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2/5/2022 - JustBreathe680 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Purchased direct from the winery. Decanted in a Grassl Carafe for 1+ hours at 55 degrees in a U-Line U-Chill. Consumed out of a Zalto Den'Art Burgundy Glass at 55 degrees over an additional 3+ hours. Paired with cold wather lobster tail.
The color was light to medium yellow. The aromas were of white flowers and butter. The palate was of citrus and orchard fruit, some minerality and a oak influence consisting of butter and a hint of vanilla. It was full bodied with medium acidity. There was some heat present. It is a little disjointed but it may all come together in another 12 months of cellaring.
My score 94+ and has the potential of 96 if it becomes more balanced with time.
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1/28/2022 - Elkcims Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delightful like every chard from Aubert. Crisp, lemon zest, minerals.
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1/19/2022 - msuwine wrote: 93 Points
This round and layered Chardonnay is quite pleasing - but it's not at the level of the other Aubert 2018s. The only Chardonnay Aubert makes from a Napa vineyard, the Sugar Shack is often the most viscous and nutty of the lineup - and the 2018 is no different. I buy most all of the Aubert whites, but - if I had to sacrifice one of them - this would be the first to go.
Light yellow in color and full in body, the wine offers aromas of pear, nectarine, and shaved almond. Flavors of peach, lemon confit, hazelnut, and vanilla bean, with a soft and lifted finish. 15% alcohol. My favorite aspect of the Aubert wines is their density and edge - so powerful, so precise - and this just tastes a little flabby (more George Foreman than Evander Holyfield). 93 for now, but maybe give it another year.
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1/8/2022 - bottles.and.bites Likes this wine: 95 Points
Explosive nose of amaretto, honey dew, yellow peach, mint. Mouth coating richness, fruit is bright, sweet yet some how mineral salty at the same time. Lively grapefruit acidity finishes a very complete wine.
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11/1/2021 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 92 Points
Two hour double decant. Straw color. Coconut cream pie, lemon zest, and cream cheese on the nose. Smooth, dry, glossy palate, with nice acidity that provides good structure.
This is a bit more savory than a typical buttery Chardonnay. It’s clearly well made and there’s a light touch on the oak.
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8/26/2021 - UFGators Likes this wine: 93 Points
Big flavors big alcohol but balanced. Needs 1-1.5 hour decant. Very complex and delicious.
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6/18/2021 - rcg62 Likes this wine: 97 Points
Pale color. Nose is great, green melon, pear and honey. Beautiful wine. Great, super long palate, acidity, white fruits. Aubert just crushing it. Burgundian…if that doesn’t undersell it.
Note: Read notes about too much oak. Don’t get it. Not this bottle.
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6/13/2021 - tonyhuang wrote: 88 Points
Over ripe, overly oaky and spicy. the score is a reflection of my personal taste. It is well made, and it pairs well with risotto. But in its own, it is not a style that I like.
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5/3/2021 - KeithSurg wrote: 94 Points
Drank after the UV-SL. This had more acidity, minerality and structure reminiscent of a Burgundy. Very nice.
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9/26/2020 - Twopawsup Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beautiful golden color with slow legs. Lemon grass, banana and honey suckle on the nose. White pepper, star fruit, lime and pear on the palate. Long creamy finish
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9/11/2020 - 89grange Likes this wine: 95 Points
Aubert Chard never disappoints. Light and yet profound lingering finish. Sadly 1 left...
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9/5/2020 - tak4 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped, decanted, rebottled, and poured.
Wine is a lemon color, not as concentrated looking as I would have expected. Bright.
On nose, yellow fruits, touch of buttered popcorn.
On palate, wine is intense! Very concentrated, high alcohol, yellow fruit and citrus really come across with a moderate acidic backbone.
Wine is meant to age and we're drinking it young. Really nice though.
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9/3/2020 - rlove wrote: 93 Points
Mark Aubert's 2018 Sugar Shack is absolutely stunning even at this early junction, offering a beautiful nose of orange peel, honeysuckle, spice, and vanillin. The vibrancy of Aubert's wines this vintage is off the charts, with bright acidity and a weightless texture. Excellent length. Very good, even today.
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8/29/2020 - bubbachumps wrote: 93 Points
Vanilla, creamy honeyed citrus and graham cracker crust on the nose. Medium to full bodied on the palate, with some spice on the finish. In a primary phase, but dinking surprisingly well for such a young wine. Could use more time in the bottle and should improve.
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7/12/2020 - Gregmonroe Likes this wine:
Citrus and slight caramel on the nose; less acidic than the Hyde 2018, maybe slightly more sweetness than the Hyde. Excellent wine.
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7/10/2020 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 93 Points
Double decanted about 2 hours before service. The nose was tight at first, but gradually presented a pretty, oily lemon aroma. The palate showed subtle, elegant fruit, lemon, hint of peach, spice. Lovely acidity, great balance. Finishes long and spicy. No hint of oak at all. This may well pick up weight with a few years in bottle. 93 points with possible upside.
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6/12/2020 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Beautiful wine even at this young age. While it has bold new world Chardonnay fruit, there is finesse and creamy texture to this wine that puts it all in balance. More tropical fruit driven than citrus or oak driven. Bright and vibrant.
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6/7/2020 - Darjeeling Likes this wine: 94 Points
Smoky notes, possibly nutty. Very well integrated. Oak is not apparent and alcohol is not taking over. Delicious and approachable. Bright notes, not too much acid.
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5/18/2020 - Buntingwest wrote: 94 Points
Toasted brioche and lemongrass on the nose. Silky mouthfeel with nice acidity. This wine has a nice finish as well. You can certainly enjoy now or hold for a year or two. Check out @west_coast_wino on Instagram for more great recommendations, reviews and stories.
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3/29/2020 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 93 Points
Double decanted, followed by slow ox for five hours (per Aubert’s instructions). Bright straw color. Quince, lemon curd, charred corn and subtle creme brûlée on the nose. Ultra-creamy, full bodied palate, with soft acidity and subtle beam of candied pineapple. Finish is simultaneously firm and plush.
This was my first Aubert single vineyard Chardonnay. It’s beautiful, but not yet as amazing as I’d heard. Should improve in a few years.
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3/13/2020 - huevosconvino Likes this wine: 96 Points
Decanted for 2 hours before tasting. I love the way Aubert Chardonnay comes together. It seems well-knitted, if that makes sense: toasty yet fruity, and each vineyard has a different, memorable profile. This was my first time trying Sugar Shack and I loved it: yellow plum and white tea with subtle mint and pine notes. Amazing, lots of subtlety here if you have the patience to decant for a couple of hours. Glad I did: This wine is wonderful.
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