Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir "Goldrock Estate" 2020
(Sonoma Coast, California) - [IWR 96] [JD 95] [WS 93] [WA 92]

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.

Tasting Notes:

Delivers a vibrant purple hue and energetic aromas of rose petals, cranberry, and fresh cut rosemary. The palate is focused with well-integrated flavors of wild blueberry, dark cherry, and bergamot. It retains a lifted acidity throughout, which adds tension to the long finish followed by hints of damp earth and red clay.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - International Wine Report: 
"Aged for 15 months in 29% new French oak, the 2020 Goldrock Estate from Paul Hobbs offers a beguiling mélange of perfumed presence, splendidly textured fruit, and plenty of structure backing it all up. Presenting a captivating and glistening medium ruby core with a neon pink rim, its black cherry, wild huckleberry, dried red rose, mocha powder, tangerine essence, and smoked herb palate is focused and deep. Mouthwatering acidity, structured tannins, and a delicious spice-driven finish complete the wine. Highly recommended." (Jun 2022)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2020 Pinot Noir Goldrock Estate takes on a darker fruit profile, with ripe black cherry, fresh potting soil, and root beer spice. In line with the nose, the palate is more grounded in nature, with black raspberry and layers of incense and spice that unfold harmoniously through its long finish. This is worth holding a couple years and drinking over the following 10 or more years." (Aug 2022)

93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"A juicy, balled-up wine, brimming with blackberry and boysenberry compote flavors lined with black tea, anise and chaparral. Give this a touch of cellaring to let everything unwind fully. Lots to like here. Best from 2023 through 2029." - James Molesworth (Aug 2022)

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2020 Pinot Noir Goldrock Estate, still in barrel, is less defined on the nose at this stage than its 2019 counterpart, with dense aromas of blueberry preserves, licorice, conifer and creamy new oak spices. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and spicy, with a silky texture and long finish." - Erin Brooks (Jul 2022)