Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2022 (Sonoma County, California) - [JS 95] [JD 93] [WE 93] [WA 92] [WS 92]

Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2022
(Sonoma County, California) - [JS 95] [JD 93] [WE 93] [WA 92] [WS 92]


$95.00 $79.99 Save $15.01
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JS95 JD93 WE93 WA92 WS92
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Tasting Note:

A ruby-edged violet hue sets expectations for the tart red cherry and cranberry aromas that open in the glass, evolving into plum and boysenberry fruit steeped with orange peel and bergamot tea. Vibrant tension and a satisfying grip carry the fresh, juicy palate, with an intriguing hint of sea salt. Bright acidity lingers on the finish and will continue to develop in the bottle.

Growing Season:

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.

 

Harvest:

Hand-harvested at night, shears only

Harvest dates: August 30-September 23

Winemaking: 

  • Hand-sorted while still cold from the field; 12% whole cluster inclusion Indigenous yeast fermentation
  • 5-day cold soak, 17-day maceration 
  • Gentle punchdowns
  • Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel
  • Aged 11 months in French oak barrels; 33% new
  • Bottled unfined and unfiltered; August 2023

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - 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. Drink now or hold." - James Suckling (Nov 2023)

93 Points - 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. Drink 2024-2049.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
This intensely colored Pinot gives waves of raspberry and cherry liqueur aromas on the nose, with hints of herb mélange emerging over time. The palate is deeply saturated and juicy, with flavors of roasted cherry, spiced orange peel and sarsaparilla on the balanced palate.

 

92 Points - 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! 9,400 cases were produced, and it will be released in March of 2024." - Erin Brooks (Dec 2023)

92 Points - 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. Drink now through 2029. 9,400 cases made." - James Molesworth (July 2024)