Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2024
(Sonoma Coast, California) - [JS 93] [JD 92] [WE 91] [VM 90] [WA 90]

About the Winery: 
The ‘cross’ barn served as a childhood meeting place on Paul Hobbs’ family’s more than one hundred-and-fifty-year-old fruit farm situated in Niagara County, New York. Named after this gathering point, Crossbarn honors the values of hard work and integrity instilled in Paul from his childhood. Committed to high-quality, sustainably farmed vineyards, our wines offer a bright and youthful expression of fruit blended from Northern California’s finest appellations.

About Sonoma Coast:
Stretching from San Pablo Bay all the way up to the Mendocino line, the Sonoma Coast American Viticulture Area (AVA) covers over 480,000 acres, with roughly 7,000 acres planted with vines.
We harvest chardonnay and pinot noir fruit primarily from the western part of the appellation, where distinct maritime influences allow for notably cooler average temperatures influenced by coastal wind and fog. Growing grapes in these dramatically cool corners of Sonoma County is complex and demanding, with the end result truly worth the risk. The resulting fruit produces wines that are elegant and intensely structured.

Tasting Notes:

Luminescent pale gold in color, this vibrant chardonnay jumps out of the glass with fresh aromas of white peach and honeydew melon brightened by notes of key lime zest and night blooming jasmine. On the palate, enticing layers of nectarine and fresh orange blossom unfold alongside a whisper of sea spray, with a soft, rounded midpalate lifted by an elegant ribbon of limestone minerality. The finish is long, crisp, and mouthwatering.

93 Points - James Suckling:

"A fresh, fruity, juicy, crisp white that's generous in green apples, baked apples and minerals on a medium body. Subtle flavors of cream and butter come from partial malolactic conversion while maturing in stainless steel containers. Screw cap." - JS (June 2025)

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:

The 2024 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is a bright silver/yellow hue with a touch of youthful spritz and aromas of lime leaf, lemon verbena, white pepper, fresh pear, and green apple. Made from 80% Piner Road fruit and fermented entirely in steel with bâtonnage, it has a subtle creaminess while remaining refreshing and energetic. A terrific value to enjoy now or over the next several years. Drink 2026-2030.

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast:

Aromas of fresh lemon, apple blossom, and green apple flow from the glass on the nose of this approachable wine. The palate has tropical energy, with pineapple and spice mingling with citrus and nectarine flavors, with a long, acid-driven finish. 

90 Points - Vinous:

The 2024 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) is bright, airy and very much understated in style. Lemon peel, white pepper and white flowers are all nicely lifted. This is an especially floral, aromatic Chardonnay. Vinification and aging is done mostly in steel, which keeps the flavors brisk. 

90 Points - Wine Advocate:

"Made with 81% estate fruit, the 2024 Chardonnay has fresh aromas of red apples and pears, lemon peel, bread dough and spice. The medium-bodied palate is easygoing with ripe flavors, vibrant acidity and a long, flavorful finish." - Erin Brooks (Aug 2025)