Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2023
(Sonoma Coast, California) - [JS 93] [JD 92] [VM 91]

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:
Crystalline pale straw with a faint chlorophyllic tint, the 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay opens with lifted aromas of freshly picked green apple, and is fragrantly perfumed with Meyer lemon zest, gardenia, honeysuckle, and orange blossom. On the palate, notes of Honeycrisp apple lead a well-focused palate punctuated by a burst of fresh guava. Mineral-driven, vibrant acidity accented with a flaky sea salt-like crunchiness is interlaced with a delicate creamy yet firmly structured texture. The finish is pure and clean with good tension and energy through the lingering, expressively juicy finish.

93 Points - James Suckling:
“Very clean and bright white with sliced apples, ripe pears and crushed stone undertones. Medium-bodied, crunchy, flavorful, crisp and bright. Drink now.” 

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
“Bright yellow/green-hued, the 2023 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is bottled under screwcap and is lifted and fresh with lime, white flowers, green apples, and lemon zest. It’s fantastic on the palate, with ripe acidity, a silky, stony texture, elegant ripeness, and a cleansing finish. A great value, it’s lovely now, but don’t feel hurried with this one. Drink 2024-2029.” -Audrey Frick

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2023 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) is gorgeous. Racy and silky on the palate, with terrific energy, the 2023 is a fine introduction to this range. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint, tangerine peel and a kick of French oak grace this creamy, sensual Chardonnay. The 2023 is beautifully done. (Drink between 2024-2029)." - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2024)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"An expressive version, offering a dynamic and juicy mix of peach, citrus and apple flavors, with notes of ginger, makrut lime leaf and lemon balm. Expands further on the finish, with notes of saline and lemon thyme."