Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard 2018

With over 30 years now under his belt at the helm of one of the top wineries in California, I would forgive you if you have forgotten his previous bio (Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Simi alum). But suffice it to say – the illustrious member of the Robert Parker, Jr. 100-point club knew his way around both Napa and Sonoma prior to striking out on his own.

However, when Paul struck out – he selected the Richard Dinner Vineyard to be the back bone upon which he’d build his Chardonnay reputation. The Northern exposure vineyard is perfectly situated and provides Paul with lingering daytime sun exposure perfectly balanced with morning and evening fog which allows for extended hangtime and more fully developed flavors.

That’s in a normal year but 2018 was no normal year at this Sonoma Mountain outpost. While the very beginning of the year was mired in early rainfall – conditions were arid and dry by March. The season became shockingly temperate and uniform throughout the entire rest of the season without a single heat spike. As temperatures remained uniform into the fall, this allowed for four full thinning passes through the vines with harvest coming in a full two weeks later than normal.

Paul Hobbs Richard Vineyard Chardonnay is always a showstopper but the 2018 is something special. White flowers, lemon zest, and fresh apricot linger on the nose. A distinct minerality gives way to bright peach & nectarine before melting away into overtones of baking spice and fresh brioche. It’s a truly mesmerizing glass of wine.