2007 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard

A fabulous effort, the 2007 Chardonnay Walker Station is one of the top Chardonnays of the vintage. Sadly, this will be the final vintage of this offering as the old vines from which it was produced were torn out. It offers notes of unbuttered popcorn, white peaches, quince, mango, and brioche in a full-bodied, fresh, lively yet substantial style. With terrific intensity as well as a long (over 35 seconds) finish, this brilliant Chardonnay should evolve for 7-8 years. Readers looking for wines packed with flavor as well as personality can do no better than uber-consultant Paul Hobbs’ line-up of Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Syrahs. All of his bottled wines showed even stronger than they did from barrel tastings. All of these Chardonnays spend between 10 and 16 months in barrel, with the percentage of new oak ranging from 80% (for the Cuvee Agustina), 70% (for the Walker Station), and 55-65% for the Ritchie, Ulises Valdez, and Richard Dinner cuvees. The 2008 Chardonnays, while very good, are not up to the level of the flawless 2007s. The 2008 Pinot Noirs performed well, although they are slightly lower-keyed wines without the structure and density of the 2007s. Paul Hobbs produces Syrah from the Kick Ranch Vineyard, which is in the so-called Petaluma Wind Gap (lots of wind and a cool coastal temperature). Tel. (707) 824-9879; Fax (707) 824-5843