Bright, lemon-gold in color with a pale green rim, the 2007 Chardonnay Lauren Estate delivers earthy/stony notes of crushed rocks and damp soil to begin, giving way to provocative apricot preserves, pear tart and almond croissant notes with hints of acacia honey, struck flint and woodsmoke. Concentrated with a lovely oiliness to the texture, the full-on, full-bodied palate is bold and spicy, delivering a refreshing lift on the long, multilayered finish. I love, love, love Aubert's Chardonnays when they are young, but this is absolutely why collectors should try and hold some back for a few years: it's so crazy good! This wine was tasted from magnum, sourced directly from Aubert's library cellar.