2017 Chardonnay Russian River Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is a pretty, classy wine that captures the essence of Paul Hobbs' style. Apricot, tangerine, chamomile, lemon confit and dried flowers are all nicely layered together in this open-knit Chardonnay. Drink it over the next handful of years.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Chardonnay has a wonderful perfume of apple pie and grated nutmeg with notes of wet hay, honeycomb, cheese rind and peach cobbler plus touches of crushed stone, mushroom and wet bark. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rounded and silky with intense, savory flavor layers and bright acidity kicking in on long the finish. 5,964 cases produced.
Leading off the Chardonnays from Hobbs, the 2017 Chardonnay Russian River Valley comes from multiple sites and spent ten months in 55% new French oak. Its medium gold color is followed by a rich, upfront bouquet of Caramelized pineapple, tangerine, honeysuckle, spice, and a touch of toasted nuts. It's rich, concentrated, has beautiful mid-palate heft, and nicely integrated acidity. It's a rocking wine as well as a great introduction into the wines of this great winemaker.
The 2017 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is pliant, supple and expressive. This open-knit, beautifully textured Chardonnay captures all the natural richness of the year and also retains terrific freshness.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.