"CIX" is the Roman numeral for 109, and is one of the winery's own vineyards. When it was purchased, it was called "Plot 109", and although it is located in almost the same place as the winery's own Lauren vineyard on the hills of Forestville, the soil is completely different. Lauren has the golden color of Gold Ridge, while CIX has white soil that is limestone and contains sea salt particles. Planted with a precious Montrachet clone in 2008, it embodies the delicate beauty of a great Grand Cru. After barrel fermentation and barrel aging for 10 months (80% new barrels), the wine is left to settle in stainless steel tanks for 4 months before being bottled unfiltered.
Vintage Information
In 2022, there was plenty of rain from the latter half of the previous winter, refreshing the roots and soil tired from the dry previous year, and the warm weather continued in the spring, predicting a healthy and balanced crop. The heat in August and early September further concentrated the flavor and acidity, and rich, ripe grapes with balanced nutrition were harvested. The 2022 Chardonnay shines with its refinement, concentration, youthful green edges, and dazzling pale yellow shine. The aromas are common to fresh and gorgeous flowers, honeysuckle, celery, and rose oil, and the juicy, sweet, smooth texture and amazing concentration make this a vintage that highlights Auber's personality.
Technical information
The wine is harvested while it is still cool at night, and the goal is to have it barreled within 5-6 hours. It is immediately transported to the winery in a refrigerated truck, where it is sorted and pressed, then placed in French barrels (approximately 80% new barrels, 20% one-year-old barrels) for slow, healthy fermentation, and the first and second fermentations (100% natural yeast, 100% MLF) take place over a period of approximately 10 months. After allowing the lees to settle naturally, the wine is selected and transferred to stainless steel tanks, where it is left to settle for 4-5 months, before being bottled every December without artificial clarification or filtering. The fermentation and aging period is approximately 15 months (between barrels and tanks).
Tasting notes by Marc Aubey
Waves of honey crisp apple, candied lemon peel, tangerine cream, jasmine floral aromas, and spicy coriander come over you. It is full of rich fruit and a hint of sweet earthiness reminiscent of a field after early spring rain. It has a firm structure, an oily mouthfeel, and a very long finish that lasts for many minutes. This distinctive wine can be enjoyed now, but will continue to age for 10 to 15 years as it slowly reveals its true complexity.
The slight mist that appears to be coming from the glass is proof that the flavor has not been lost due to the non-filter process. This shows Auber's commitment to quality.
96-98P The Wine Independent by Lisa Perrotti-Brown Sep.2023
The aroma of freshly squeezed fresh lemon and Granny Smith apple rises, followed by candied ginger, white pepper spiciness, and nuances like chalk powder. Full-bodied and layered mineral complexity continues endlessly, and the magnificent structure promises long aging.
Field Information
"CIX" stands for the Roman numerals 109. When the vineyard was purchased, it was called "Plot 109" and is located along the same eastern fence line as the company's Lauren vineyard on the hills of Forestville, but the soil is completely different. Lauren is the gold of Gold Ridge, while CIX is almost white or beige in color with limestone and sea salt particles. Planted with a precious Montrachet clone in 2008, CIX, as its name suggests, has all the delicate beauty and grand structure reminiscent of the great Grand Crus of Burgundy.
Vintage: 2022
Capacity: 750ml
Type: White wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 100% Chardonnay
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Sonoma Coast
Vineyard: CIX Estate Vineyard
Note: 96-98P The Wine Independent by Lisa Perrotti-Brown Sep.2023
Winemaker: Mark Aubert
Brewing: Fermented in French barrels (approximately 80% new barrels), 100% natural yeast, 100% MLF
Aging: Unfiltered and unfined before bottling
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 15.0%