UV is the initial of the late owner of the vineyard, Ulysses Valdez (one of Sonoma's most famous growers, who died suddenly at the young age of 49 in 2018), and SL is the plot name, Stortz Lane. Located in the Occidental region of the midwestern Sonoma Coast, the iron-rich soil is suitable for long-term aging with strong characteristics, and the Gold Ridge soil has a rich, fleshy texture. Carefully selected clones give the wine a firm core flavor. After barrel fermentation and barrel aging for 15 months (80% new barrels), it is left to settle for 4 months before being blended at bottling.
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 barrel-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. Fermentation and aging period is approximately 15 months (barrels and tanks).
Tasting notes by Marc Aubey
Freshness and richness coexist. It is reminiscent of lime leaves, candied green apples, and fragrant almond and pear galettes. This vineyard is located at a high altitude and close to the coast, which reflects the aroma of seawater, the nuances of yuzu, the sharp minerality and excellent acidity that are the core of the wine. The fresh elements show the natural richness and richness of the 2022 vintage, and its purity and long finish highlight the individuality of this vineyard. It will be easy to enjoy in the cellar for the next 10 to 15 years. The slightly hazy appearance is proof that the flavor has not been reduced by the non-filter. It expresses Auber's commitment.
97-99P The Wine Independent by Lisa Perrotti-Brown Sep.2023
The aroma is surprisingly concentrated, and while it has a full-bodied taste, it has a light footwork impression. The lively citrus acidity is pleasant, and the minerality tightens the whole. The very long aftertaste seems to last forever.
Field Information
UV was named after the late owner of the vineyard, Ulysses Valdes (one of Sonoma's most famous growers, who died suddenly at the young age of 49 in 2018).
UV stands for Ulysses Valdes, and SL stands for Stoetz Lane, one of the plots within Valdes Vineyards.
Ulysses and Mark were close friends who respected each other's abilities, and Mark, who trusted Ulysses' cultivation management skills, provided investment to support Ulysses' independent founding.
UV-SL is located north of the town of Occidental, on the western edge of the central Russian River Valley, where the border of Green Valley runs through the vineyard, and is in a very cool area due to its proximity to the sea.
Due to its high quality, many producers seek out grapes from this area, and it is said to be one of the best Pinot Noir vineyards in the region.
Depending on the plot, the higher up the hills are made up of volcanic soil, while the rest of the vineyard is dotted with loamy Gold Ridge soil.The iron-rich volcanic soil produces grapes with strong character that are suited to long-term aging, while the Gold Ridge produces grapes with a rich, fleshy texture.
The plots contracted by Auber are planted with clone selections carefully selected by Auber to take advantage of the unique characteristics of the soil, naturally limiting yields to two tons per acre.
UV-SL grapes fully express the characteristics of the terroir, resulting in high-quality Auber wines with a strong core.
Auber calls this wine a "chameleon."
Because this wine evolves and transforms in the glass.
UV-SL's combination of climate, soil and rare clones illuminates a kaleidoscope of site-specific nuances.
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: UV-SL Vineyard
Note: 97-99P 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
Soil: Volcanic soils on top, loamy Gold Ridge
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 15%