Paul Hobbs George Menini Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2021

Another fabulous single vineyard Chardonnay from Paul Hobbs. Limited. previous vintage 95 Points Robert Parker: "The Chardonnay George Menini Estate is a barrel sample of a brand new cuvée from Paul Hobbs, from a new vineyard they recently purchased and redeveloped, located in the Sebastopol Hills. A former apple orchard, they planted the sloping Goldridge soils with 37 acres of heritage selection Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. "I have no clue what the oak regimen will end up being," Paul Hobbs muses during our tasting together. "We made it the way we typically make our wines." Winemaker Jennie Murphy, who has been with Paul Hobbs for a decade, explains, "It's a new vineyard for us, so we have to figure out what we have. We will do lots of studies of blocks, clones, barrels, etc." This first look at the George Menini Chardonnay is promising. It offers scents of bruised apples, white peaches, citrus blossoms and new oak spices. Medium-bodied and textural, it has youthfully blocky fruits, integrated freshness and satisfying length. I'm excited to see what this new vineyard will bring to the Hobbs portfolio." 95 Points James Suckling: "This is a dense and very limey chardonnay, with lemon-curd and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied and foursquare, with a solid structure and intense flavors. A mouthful of fruit. Chunky. Honeysuckle and nettles at the end. Agile for a big wine. Drink now or hold." previous vintage: 95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Paul Hobbs Chardonnay George Menini Estate is lifted with fresh tarragon, flint, and candied green apple. The palate is all about its chalky mineral texture and vibrant energy. Not to confuse this with losing balance or feeling underripe, it has plenty of fruit, with lemon confit, fresh green apple, and a touch of warming baking spice. Allow another year or two in cellar and drink 2023-2034. ...Paul Hobbs is undoubtedly one of the world’s finest consultants, and as Americans we’re lucky to have this New York State-born winemaking guru right in the heart of the Russian River, turning out a bevy of wines from both Napa and the following items from their estate vineyards in Sonoma as well as from purchased fruit. Hobbs has a separate entity now, which is aimed at producing good value wines under the Cross Barn by Paul Hobbs moniker. There’s some juicy, high-quality stuff in these cuvées."

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