2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, Russian River

Paul Hobbs came to winemaking via studying to be a doctor and this scientific background and attention to detail has helped hone his approach to crafting wonderfully precise, complex wines in California and around the world. He has famously been called the ‘Steve Jobs’ of wine by Forbes magazine and it is clear that he is a driven perfectionist whose hard work has paid off with numerous 100-point scores from the critics.

Pinot Noir is grown across various sites and exposures including Sebastopol series - sandy clay loam, red clay and coarse, gravelly loam soils. Yields are around 3.74 tonnes per acre. Harvested by hand using shears at night. Hand-harvested at night, shears only. Hand-sorted while still cold from the field; 12% whole cluster inclusion; indigenous yeast fermentation; 5-day cold soak, 17-day maceration; gentle punchdowns; spontaneous maloactic fermentation in barrel; aged in French oak barrels with a small percentage of new oak in some vintages. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting note: Ruby-edged violet hue sets expectations in the glass for the tart red cherry and cranberry aromas that open the glass, evolving into red plum and boysenberry steeped with orange peel, bergamot, and Earl Grey tea. Vibrant tension and a satisfying grip carry through the juicy palate with an intriguing hint of crunchy sea salt. A bright acidity adds freshness to the long, pure finish.

Food Match: Wild mushroom tartine, roast quail, or a roast leg of lamb.