2006 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard
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Previously recommended. 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
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Altre recensioni e punteggi
Light, cloudy yellow. Spicy lemon and green apple on the nose, with zesty herbal and floral qualities adding complexity. Tangy citrus and orchard fruit flavors offer impressive depth and vivacity, picking up white pepper and minerals on the close. Leaves a light smoky quality behind, along with a kick of lemon zest. Hobbs told me that wild mint grows in this vineyard and that it must somehow work its way into the wine.
Informazioni sul produttore
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.