Paul Hobbs’s Russian River Chardonnay brings together fruit from some of the area’s most prestigious vineyards, vineyards planted in the valley’s unique weathered sandstone soil.

Harvested at night, when fruit is cool and flavours are fresh, grapes were whole-cluster pressed while still cold from the field. Following a long, slow barrel ferment and complete, spontaneous malolactic ferment by indigenous yeast, the wine matured 12 months in French oak (50% new) and four months in stainless steel. Fine lees were stirred bi-weekly, introducing rich texture and beautiful bakery aromatics. The finished wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Highlighting the best characteristics of the region, this Chardonnay is a real beauty in the glass: pearlescent pale straw, with lifted aromas of citrus, chamomile tea, and a whole meadow of yellow flowers. The richly-textured palate is layered with white fruit and brioche, and the long finish closes with a hint of minerality.

“The 2019 Chardonnay has intense aromas of baked peaches, jasmine and baking spices with a pretty, herbal undercurrent. The palate is intense, layered, energetic and perfumed, with bright bursts of acidity and a long, spicy finish.” 94 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate, July 2022