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2019 Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

December 24, 2023 - $51

Estimate

RATINGS

94The Wine Advocate

...intense aromas of baked peaches, jasmine and baking spices with a pretty, herbal undercurrent...palate is intense, layered, energetic and perfumed, with bright bursts of acidity and a long, spicy finish.

94James Suckling

An inviting nose of warm citrus, toasted herbs and brown butter. Medium-to full-bodied with a lovely vanilla and cream through-line that brings charm to the palate. Minerality adds layers of complexity and zip, along with some white-pepper spice.

94Jeb Dunnuck

...classic, cleanly perfumed bouquet of honeyed citrus, crushed stone, white flowers, and brioche... Medium-bodied, fresh, and lively on the palate...flawlessly balanced, with an incredible mix of rich, ripe fruit and racy, bright acidity as well as outstanding length.

93Vinous / IWC

...fabulous. Creamy, open-knit and so expressive... Apricot, baked apple tart, pastry and light tropical accents all run through this wonderfully inviting Chardonnay.

90Wine Spectator

Suave, with apple pasty and dried pear flavors that take on plenty of creaminess and ripeness midpalate, followed by citrusy hints on the spicy finish.

PRODUCER

Paul Hobbs

Paul Hobbs is a boutique winery in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California. It was founded in 1991 by Paul Hobbs, who worked at Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Simi Winery in various winemaking capacities before starting his own winery. He also consulted in Argentina, and now makes Malbecs from Argentina with other business partners under the Vina Cobos label. Hobbs uses grapes from numerous vineyards under contract to his estate to make well-reviewed Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His wines from the several Beckstoffer vineyards and the Hyde vineyard are particularly noteworthy. Robert M. Parker Jr. has called Hobbs “one of the great names in winemaking…(he makes) full-throttle, intense wines made with classical European methods.”

REGION

United States, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

TYPE

White Wine, Chardonnay

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.