2016 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
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Tasting notes
Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a classic wine from this region as well as a great example of the style of this estate. Ripe black cherries, currants, flowers, and earthy notes all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated 2016 that has a beautiful sense of purity and elegance. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. These latest releases from Paul Hobbs are pretty much sensational across the board and Hobbs’ finds a rare mix of purity and elegance matched to richness and concentration that hits all my sweet spots. Hobbs commented that 2016 was a perfect vintage where everything came together easily, and the resulting wines have a terrific sense of elegance, purity an balance that make them already irresistible, yet will also allow them to age gracefully. In addition, the lineup is easy to understand; Hobbs makes an appellation blend Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and two single vineyards of each variety.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
This is the first vintage for this new Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast. The 2016 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast opens with a medium ruby-purple color and notes of warm cherries, mulberries and wild blueberries with touches of dusty soil, dried herbs and tree moss. The medium to full-bodied palate has a good, solid structure of ripe, grainy tannins and a refreshing line carrying the fruit to a long, perfumed finish. 2,049 cases were made.
Elderberry essence, blueberry perfume, blackberry tea, some grapefruit rind and granite. Medium body, vibrant acidity, fine tannins and a fresh, citrusy finish with tons of tangy fruit. Drink now.
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.