Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2020 (750ml)

 

Rated 93 Points by James Suckling

 

An attractive nose of ripe red fruit and berries, fresh mint and black licorice.  Medium-to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a smooth texture.  Bright, citrus-like acidity that adds a lot of life to the flavors of fresh colored flowers and ripe red cherries.  Good intensity and balance.  Drink or hold.

 

Rated 93 Points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

Medium ruby-purple, the 2020 Pinot Noir is scented of cranberries, underbrush, tobacco leaves and woodsmoke.  The palate is light-bodied, silky and bright with earth-laced fruits and a long, spicy finish.

 

Rated 93 Points by Jeb Dunnuck

 

The quintessential 2020 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is flush with cola spice, grenadine, and sappy forest floor, while the palate opens with generous ripe red fruits of cherry, beet root, and cinnamon.

 

Rated 92 Points by Wine Spectator

 

Bursts with juicy, well-detailed pomegranate, cherry and blackberry flavors that are carried by sleek, well-embedded acidity.   This has light anise and violet hints skittering in the background, with a bright mineral edge that helps drive the finish.  Very solid all around.  Drink now

 

Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2020

 

Estate-born from our high-density plantings in the western reaches of the appellation, this vintage displays translucent ruby and entices with freshly picked violets, wild cherry, and scents of sage.  The palate is framed by a supple texture and well-integrated tannins that opens with layered notes of crushed pomegranate seeds, blood orange extract, and lightly steeped Rooibos tea.  This is an elegant and graceful wine with bright acidity, leading to a long and pure finish.

 

2020 Growing Season

 

A dry winter started the season with less than half the region’s average rainfall leading to a mild spring and early season bud break.  Summer began with relatively moderate temperatures resulting in exceptional phenolic development, allowing fruit to ripen and mature slowly on the vine.  Consecutive heat spells coupled with a rare mid-August lightning storm accelerated the start of harvest two weeks earlier than average.  All fruit was hand-harvested within seven weeks, and although challenging on many fronts, our highly skilled team persevered at every stage and excelled in their meticulous picking, sorting, and barrel selections.  While some wines will not be produced as they did not meet our standards for quality, those that were are in very small quantities, ensuring the limited remaining bottlings showcase their full character with great energy, depth of flavor, and focus.

 

Russian River Valley

 

The Russian River Valley climate is defined by its proximity to the ocean, and is bordered by the Russian River and the Mayacamas mountains.  Coastal breezes bring cooling fog through the Petaluma wind gap in the morning and evening, balancing the afternoon heat enjoyed in this appellation.  This temperature differential creates excellent conditions to grow chardonnay and pinot noir.

 

 

Paul Hobbs Winery

 

In 1991, pioneering winemaker Paul Hobbs established his namesake winery in Sebastopol, California.  The winery exemplifies his vision and dedication to sustainability and his on-going quest to refine the art of winemaking with minimal intervention, yet meticulous care.  Expect Excellence.

 

“The true character of a site is only revealed through the work and determination of tending each vineyard with meticulous care and vinifying with minimalist winemaking techniques that fully express the terroir.”  Paul Hobbs

 

 

Rated 92 Points by Wine Spectator

 

Bursts with juicy, well-detailed pomegranate, cherry and blackberry flavors that are carried by sleek, well-embedded acidity.   This has light anise and violet hints skittering in the background, with a bright mineral edge that helps drive the finish.  Very solid all around.  Drink now