2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
A ruby-edged violet hue sets expectations for the tart red cherry and cranberry aromas that open in the glass, evolving into red plum and boysenberry steeped with orange peel, bergamot, and earl gray tea. Vibrant tension and a satisfying grip carry through the juicy palate with an intriguing hint of crunchy sea salt. A bright acidity adds freshness to the long, pure finish.
The name Paul Hobbs is synonymous with fine California winemaking. Born into a farming family in New York, Paul borrowed early life experience to reinvent modern winemaking by employing a classical approach that pays the utmost attention to quality farming and treating the fruit minimally so that it can convey a true sense of place. While his uncanny ability to ferret out unique and expressive vineyards and undiscovered regions has only enhanced his reputation, a resume that includes winemaking stints at Opus One and Simi, as well as consulting projects with Peter Michael, Fisher Vineyards and Lewis has helped position himself as one of California's best guiding hands in the cellar. All the wine projects lucky enough to be associated with Paul Hobbs are farmed sustainably. Furthermore, crop yields are kept low to boost flavor intensity, grapes are sorted by hand, juice is turned to wine with the aid of native yeasts and the wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Paul's reach spans far and wide, with his own wineries Paul Hobbs and CrossBarn in California, and Viña Cobos in Argentina. Word on the street is that he's even got his hands on grapes from Chile, Uruguay, France and Armenia. He's got us wondering, what will this globetrotting winemaker do next?
Wine Advocate
The 2022 Pinot Noir has a slowly blossoming perfume of raspberry, pomegranate and blackberry with notes of licorice, rooibos tea and forest floor. The light-bodied palate is supple and juicy with crunchy red fruit and a long, spicy finish. It's a brighter, leaner style than usual but very easy to drink!
Wine Spectator
Keeping good energy throughout, this shows punch and drive for the vintage, with a solid core of mulberry and boysenberry coulis notes backed by light apple wood and anise hints.
James Suckling
Sliced strawberry with bark and stone with some sand undertones. Graphite. Medium-bodied, tight and focused with spices such as pepper and bark. Flavorful finish.
Jeb Dunnuck
A ripe ruby/magenta color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is effusive and floral out of the gate, with lovely notes of fresh violets, ripe black raspberries, and a hint of orange peel. It has a refined feel, with fine tannins and lovely freshness throughout, as well as a lasting, fresh, juicy finish.