2021 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Katherine Lindsay Estate Vineyard

The deep ruby/purple 2021 Pinot Noir Katherine Lindsay Estate offers aromas of kirsch, lavender, and mossy earth that soar from the glass. Full-bodied, with a silky texture and ripe tannins, it’s layered with a plush, supple texture throughout. Approachable and cuddly, with pure black raspberry liqueur, forest floor, and bergamot on the finish, It’s ripe and elegant, with a balance of richness and freshness throughout. Drink 2025-2040. Over my first two years as a full-time wine critic, I found the wines of Paul Hobbs to be some of the most pleasurable and surprising. Historically, my experience with these Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines was an opulent style with a fair bit of extract and oak influence. Tasting the wines today, though they certainly are not lacking in concentration, they have a level of refinement, precision, and energy that is undeniable across the range. These are some of the best wines I have tasted from Paul Hobbs and Sonoma to date. Meeting with Paul at his winery in Sebastapol, he acknowledged that there has been a gradual yet steady shift in style and a preference for the wines he enjoys. This self-awareness is one of the unique strengths to their success in fine-tuning the wines over time.