Paul Hobbs, Crossbarn Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2019

Producer Profile

Raised on a farm on the east coast of the United States, Paul Hobbs grew up in a tee-total household but this did not stop his first taste of wine being Chateau d'Yquem. It is tempting to say 'and the rest is history' and leave it at that, but there is so much more to this man.

Paul 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 he is a driven perfectionist whose hard work has paid off with numerous 100 points scores from the critics. However, to stop there would do Paul an injustice. Notwithstanding his mainstream winemaking training at UC Davis, Paul is an advocate of low intervention methods.

Viticulture

Produced from fruit from carefully selected vineyards in prime appellations in the Sonoma Coast. Yield are carefully managed for maximum ripeness and concentration and the harvest is carried out by hand to ensure that the fruit is in immaculate condition when it arrives at the winery. The winery is certfied sustainable by the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing alliance.

Winemaking

Hand harvested at night, the whole-clusters are sent directly to press, fermented in stainless steel tank. Native and selected yeasts are used and the wine has a 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged four to five months on the lees. Bottled unfined and with minimal use of SO2.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

A bright and refreshing Chardonnay bursting with aromas of crisp green apple, white peach, and a touch of citrus blossom. With notes of fresh pear, kumquat, and lime zest, the palate is charged by an electric minerality and brisk acidity that blends seamlessly through to a vibrant finish.

Food Matching

Beautiful with seared or roast shellfish like lobster and scallops.

Awards

Robert Parkers The Wine Advocate 90 Points
The 2019 Chardonnay is fresh and bright, offering aromas of green pears, baker’s yeast, crushed stone and white blossoms. The palate is medium-bodied, silky and uplifted with crisp fruits and a mineral driven finish. 90 Points, EB, 2021