2021 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard comes exclusively from Calera selection vines. It was vinified with 10% whole clusters and matured in 56% new oak. Paul Hobbs says that 2021 was especially low yielding at Hyde, due to the ongoing drought—the usual 300 cases dropped to 218. It's a phenomenal wine that is so delicious it's hard to put down. Intense rhubarb, cranberry sauce and violet aromas are complemented by singular, conifer-like undertones. The medium-bodied palate has a harmonious balance of velvety tannins, fireworks of fresh acidity and an abundance of crunchy, perfumed red fruit. It's precise and pure, and although it will mature gracefully over 10-15 years, it's unbelievably alluring straight from the bottle!
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard is stellar. To be honest, I haven't always loved the Hyde Pinot, as in the past it has been at times overpoweringly earthy and gamy. Not the 2021. It possesses tremendous fruit richness and intensity. The 2021 is not a typical Hyde Pinot, and I say that in the best possible way. It's one of the best Hobbs Hyde Pinot I can remember tasting.
I loved the 2021 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard, a big, rich, blockbuster of a Pinot Noir that has tons of red and black fruits as well as notes of scorched earth, graphite, and spring flowers. It reminds me of young, tannic Red Burgundy and is medium to full-bodied, has building tannins, and a great finish. It’s in dire need of 2-3 years of bottle age and should drink spectacularly well over the following decade.
Lots of bright strawberry with orange peel and hints of toasted oak and nutmeg. Other spices, too. Some leather and asphalt. Full-bodied with a solid core of fruit, firm tannins and a creamy finish. Tight at the end. It needs bottle age to reach its full potential. Better after 2025.
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.