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 2021 Russian River Valley Chardonnay by Paul Hobbs is a stunning expression of Chardonnay from the area. Aged for 12 months in 25% new French oak barrels, it sports a glistening medium gold core with a watery rim in the glass. It’s Rich, luscious, and decadent on the palate. A nose of dried banana and tropical tones meets the mouthwatering palate of sliced apple, fresh peach, and dried pineapple. Gorgeous acidity and a lengthy fruit-driven finish complete the wine.”
94 points, J. Young, International Wine Report, March 2023

“Seamless and polished, with succulent notes of apricot, peaches, mango and Meyer lemon, plus a touch of Honeycrisp apple at the core. Accents of orange blossom, cardamom and nutmeg linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2032.”
94 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator, April 2024