The problem I have with the too-oft used phrase "over-oaked" is that  it suggests a continuum that runs from "insufficiently-oaked" all the way through "over-oaked".  Leaving aside wines that see no oak whatsoever, (as a wine cannot be insufficiently oaked if oak was never introduced into the process from the outset), I have never heard anyone, anywhere describe a wine as insufficiently oaked.  Leading me to conclude that "over-oaked" is a word used too often by people who don't care for oak (which is a perfectly fine choice). But  the term itself suggests a flaw in the wine, when in reality, I think it really suggests a style preference.  I would like to see the term fade away as one's personal stlye preference should not be interjected as a perjorative.  "Too much new oak for my liking" is a far more fair and neutral way to describe a wine, as opposed to: "the wine was over-oaked."  The former suggests preference and the latter suggests an empirical truth.

I'm not sure which producer you are speaking of, but "for my tastes" I think Kistler chards have way too much oak.  I can't think of a single Kistler chard I've had (and I've had quite a few, as a good friend buys so much from them that it's practically his house white) that I like as much as any Aubert chard I've had.  In fact, I consider Aubert chards exactly as you described above--very well integrated oak treatment and wines that are big enough to overcome any oak influence they may have.  There's definitely oak there, but the characteristic I like most about most Aubert chards (particularly the Laurens and Reulings) is their minerality.  Different strokes for different folks, I guess.Â

The producer David was alluding to is KB.

I will agree that Kistler has "too much new oak for my liking"....and is definitely more pronounced than Aubert.

Chris

Fascinating. When one speaks of "Overoaked chard", the producer that comes to mind is Rombauer. Another producer that overoaks on occasion is Darioush. If all you can taste is oak, I don't think there is a lot of argument about "overoaked". Other than extreme examples like these, I agree with JimmyV.

FWIW, Aubert Chards are always more expensive on the secondary market than upon release. So apparently a good number of people feel the amount of oak is correct.

Chris, I wish you well on White burgundys. The variation kills me. If I buy a white burg, I drink it within a month or two in order to avoid the oxidation issues. I used to love all my Montrachets; no more :-(

Jimmyv - you shouldn't have a problem losing the extras.

My allocation was the same as Jimmyvs. I'm not happy with the price increases. With sales tax and deliveries these are now $100+ chards. Ug.

I was allocated 6 of each (no mags). Took the full case. I think my credit card is about to explode.

3 and 3
i didn't order my max the first mailer (same mailer as Dave and look where he is allocation-wise). ultimately it saves me money though (there's some lemonade for yah). would be hard not to order all even though it would hurt.

i haven't received an email yet, i just used my pw from last year.

6 & 6. I hate seeing chardonnays pushing $100, hitting a threshold I am not too comfortable with. Those with the 6/9 allocation, I imagine those extra 3 bottles probably carry a stiff shipping penalty across the country?

I'm gonna have to think long and hard about this one. I can occasionally find Kistler on auction for about half the price of the Aubert.

9 of each, no mags.  Purchased them all, but will be sharing 6-8 bottles of my allocation with a friend.

6 and 6 and I ordered them all.

I was 9 and 9 as well.  Ordered them all. 

I think Aubert makes very nice Chards (I've only had the Ritchie) - when I am served it I will not refuse... I do get the good acidity that people have mentioned - I like to think of it as a linebacker of a wine - agile, yet packing a wallop.

My favorite CA chard still is Peay however!

And Peay costs 1/2 as much as the Reuling!!!

9 and 6 here. Will most likely get all.

took 6 and 9 and cost me $1445!

I was allocated 6 and 6. I have a guy interested in the 6 Lauren only, but I'd rather have somebody buy it all and ship to them directly. The guy who bought these last year can't do it this year. Any takers??

Chris

What I've paid for Aubert...

2002 Ritchie $59.26
2003 Ritchie $67.15
2004 Ritchie $72.43
2005 Ritchie $78.87