2004 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(from mostly Wente clones, with some small-berried Rued clone too; the crop level here was reportedly less than a ton per acre; 100% new oak) Complex nose offers lemon cream, orange peel, white pepper and spicy oak, with a minty nuance (there is actually wild mint in the vineyard). Spicy, precise and high-pitched, with white fruit and floral flavors. The small berries give the finish a slightly tannic impression. These 30-year-old vines will be replanted soon due to phylloxera and leaf roll virus.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A superb offering from a cool climate site, the 2004 Chardonnay Walker Station exhibits notes of lemon grass, citrus oil, honeysuckle, and orange blossom. This well-made, full-bodied, ripe effort is gently kissed by subtle French oak. It is a big, well-delineated Chardonnay to drink over the next 4-5 years. (Release date 9/06) Tel. (707) 824-9879; Fax (707) 824-5843
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.