Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022
(Sonoma County, California) - [JS 94] [VM 93] [JD 93] [WE 91]

About the winery:
In 1991, pioneering winemaker Paul Hobbs established his namesake winery in Sebastopol, California. The winery exemplifies his vision and dedication to sustainability and his on-going quest to refine the art of winemaking with minimal intervention, yet meticulous care.

The Estate:
Located in the far northwestern corner of Sonoma County in the tiny settlement of Annapolis, this rugged and remote vineyard sits astride the second coastal mountain range, 550 ft above sea level. Five miles from the Pacific Ocean at the western edge of California viticulture, onshore breezes regularly transport cool air and fog which is moderated by the site’s position atop a ridge allowing enough warming sun to create superlative growing conditions for pinot noir and chardonnay.

About the wine:
Crafted with precision from six pedigreed sites, our newest vintage shines with an opalescent, pale straw hue. Aromas of red apple skin, Asian pear, and Meyer lemon zest entices the nose, followed by delicate notes of gardenia. Lively flavors of apricot and nectarine emerge on the palate, giving way to lemon meringue and baking spice. Bright and energetic with a vibrant acidity, this graceful wine ends with a long, seamless finish.

Vintage Notes:
The ‘22 growing season presented a few challenges—especially down the home stretch—reminding us that adversity often breeds surprising insights and learnings that an otherwise relatively benign path cannot. The ’22 vintage showcases the resilience of diligently farmed vineyards. Therein lies the silver lining. Winter and early spring brought little rain and mild temperatures across Napa and Sonoma Counties leading to an early bud break, and a strong, well-defined bloom. During the first week of June, a surprise deluge caused moderate berry shatter (i.e., coulure (fr.) a failure of grapes to develop after flowering) in certain vineyards. That, combined with dry soils, kept yields low and berries small, a promising setup for concentrated color and flavors. A temperate summer helped produce uniform ripening and our reliably cool nights, with diurnal dips into the 50s, kept acidity levels high and bright. Harvest commenced on August 22—our earliest harvest on record—followed swiftly by a final heat spell in early September with temperatures peaking at 117°F at some locations. Early harvests tend to be compressed, and the heat accelerated its pace. Despite the travails, however, the wines are deeply flavored, layered, and complex, with superb balance and energy.

94 Points - James Suckling: 
"Cooked apple, pie crust, stone, and vanilla bean aromas with hints of flint. Full body. Crunchy fruit with sliced apple. Hints of oak. Dense in the center palate yet firm and focused. Excellent. Drink or hold." (Jun 2023)

93 Points - Vinous Media: 
"The 2022 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is a delight. Tangerine peel, butter, ripe pear, apricot and white flowers open effortlessly. Medium in body and vibrant with terrific depth, the Russian River Chardonnay is a beautiful introduction to the range. (Drink between 2023-2031)" – Antonio Galloni (Aug 2023)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Bright yellow with a green tinge, the 2022 Chardonnay Russian River Valley was raised with 30% new French oak, as were the majority of these wines from Hobbs. In the glass it opens to elegant and ripe aromas of fresh salted pineapple, honeyed citrus, and fresh flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it’s elegant and long on the palate, with a wide window for enjoyment over the next 7-8 years. 7,675 cases were produced. " - Audrey Frick (Jun 2024)

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nose of this wine gives lifted aromas of lemon balm, Bosc pear and tangerine. Fresh and acid-driven, the palate offers flavors of crème brûlée, spiced apple chutney and cinnamon in a well-balanced framework of toasty oak. " – Tom R. Capo (Nov 2024)