![Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2021 (Sonoma County, California) - [WE 95] [WS 94] [JD 94] [JS 94]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/files/PHRRchard_{width}x.jpg?v=1708723429)
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2021
(Sonoma County, California) - [WE 95] [WS 94] [JD 94] [JS 94]
Regular price $90.00 Sale price $64.97 Save $25.03
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: One of the best vintages in recent memory, 2021 will be remembered for its intensely flavored berries, a smooth harvest and most importantly, exquisitely balanced, nuanced, and vivid wines. The season began with historically low rainfall which, coupled with a cold winter, delayed bud break. However, despite the cooler start to the year, the remainder of the season proved to be temperate with no relevant unfavorable weather events. Warm temps and mild May weather conditions, for example, favored a compact bloom and an extremely uniform fruit set with highly desirable small berries and moderately sized, well-spaced clusters. Meanwhile, summer’s long, cool mornings and warm afternoons permitted the fruit on the vine to take a slow, leisurely ride to full maturity—excellent for the physiological fruit development we prize. Harvest kicked-off punctually at 12:01 am, September 6, and after six glorious weeks, blessed our house with a fine crop of remarkably delicious, energetic, young wines.
Ratings & Reviews:
95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:"Layered and well-concentrated, this impressive wine stacks up cream, butter, toasted almonds and poached pears for a lavish palate that's also nicely grounded in appley acidity. It will be eye-opening during cocktail hour and even better paired with fish and shellfish." – Jim Gordon (Dec 2023)
94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Seamless and polished, with succulent notes of apricot, peaches, mango and Meyer lemon, plus a touch of Honeycrisp apple at the core. Accents of orange blossom, cardamom and nutmeg linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2032. 5,904 cases made." – MW (Apr 2024)
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A medium straw/gold hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Russian River Valley offers up fresh and classic aromas of melon rind, lightly toasted baking spices, and ripe apple. The palate is expressive, with a nice balance of ripeness and saline. Softly textured, with notes of crunchy green apple, ripe tangerine, and salty earth, it’s in a great place now and will drink well over the next 5-6 years." (Jul 2023)
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)