2008 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard
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Tasting notes
I liked it as much as the more expensive 2008 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard, a grand cru site for sure given the number of top wines (made by different producers) that have emerged. Elegant white peach, honeysuckle, orange marmalade and white currant aromas intermixed with earthy undertones are followed by a crisp, medium to full-bodied, impressively ripe white wine. Drink it over the next several years. The irrepressible Paul Hobbs fashioned a beautiful portfolio of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in both 2008 and 2009. His style of Chardonnay comes directly from the Burgundy handbook, meaning cool vineyard sites, full malolactic fermentations, lots of lees contact and the use of well-established clones, such as the old Wente and occasionally some of the newer Dijon clones. The 2009 Chardonnays are slightly more perfumed as well as lower in alcohol. Tel. (707) 824-9879; Fax (707) 824-5843
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Vivid yellow. Vibrant, exotically perfumed nose offers orange marmalade, nectarine and a livelier note of lemon zest. Tight and high-pitched on entry, then gains flesh and depth in the middle palate, offering lush pit fruit and lemon custard qualities. Distinctly rich chardonnay, but nervy acidity gives brightness and energy to the fruit. Finishes with building minerality and very good persistence.
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.