2009 Chardonnay Cuvee Agustina Richard Dinner Vineyard

The 2009 Chardonnay Cuvee Augustina Richard Dinner Vineyard, named after Hobbs’s daughter, emerges from a parcel within the Dinner Vineyard and is only made in the best years. It is a decidedly seamless, round Chardonnay that emphasizes textural richness and lushness. The Cuvee Augustina sees the highest amount of new oak (90%) of these Chardonnays. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. This is a dazzling set of Chardonnays and Pinots from Paul Hobbs. The wines are made with native primary and secondary fermentations, aged on their lees and bottled without fining of filtration. Readers may want to check out my video interview with Paul Hobbs on www.eroberparker.com for more details. Vintages 2009 and 2010 are both strong, but I find myself favoring the 2010s for their greater verve and focus. Either way, it is virtually impossible to go wrong with any of these new and upcoming releases. Tel. (707) 824-9879

Bright gold. Heady, complex aromas of fresh apple, lemon zest, iodine, licorice and herbs, plus a strong blast of smoky minerals. Deeply concentrated, but energetic acidity gives lift and clarity to the powerful citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Notes of licorice, spices and minerals resonate on the extremely long finish.