2004 Aubert Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard was off the charts last year, but it appears to have gone into a more closed state at present. However, it was still one of the best Pinots I tasted on my recent trip. Sweet black cherry and raspberry fruit intermixed with notions of sassafras, forest floor, and flowers emerge from this rich, full-bodied, powerful wine. It will benefit from 1-3 years of bottle age, and should keep for 10 years. Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Lauren (96), 2003 Chardonnay Quarry (95), 2003 Chardonnay Reuling (94), 2003 Chardonnay Ritchie (96), 2003 Pinot Noir Reuling (96). Tel. (707) 942-5611; Fax (707) 942-1573
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(15.9% alcohol; 100% new oak) Good deep red-ruby. Cooler aromas of black cherry, peat and earth, with an enticing violet topnote. Wonderfully sweet but restrained. A bit less blue fruit in character than the UV Vineyard bottling. Finishes chewy and firm, with suave tannins. This is reportedly from a Romanee-Conti clone, and in fact the aromas and flavors are rather Vosne-like.
(15.7% alcohol) Bright, medium purple-tinged ruby. Ur gent crushed berry aromas complicated by licorice, tar and woodsmoke. Extremely primary, liqueur-like flavors of strawberry and black cherry, with subtle forest floor and peaty nuances. Wonderfully glyceral yet quite dry, with firmer acidity than the 2003. Finishes very long and very ripe, with lovely lift.
About the producer
The Aubert wines, particularly the Chardonnay, have a cult following – beloved for their rich, hedonistic style. Created by Mark and Theresa Aubert in 1999, the property makes some of California’s most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from single vineyards across Sonoma.