"Appealing for its mix of ripe green apple, pear, citrus and honeydew melon flavors. Full-bodied, grainy and pithy in texture, but likely to grow out of that. Drink now through 2015. 3,134 cases made." (WS)
"The 2009 Chardonnay Russian River possesses tropical fruit, honeysuckle, cinnamon and subtle oak notes in a nicely etched, medium to full-bodied style.
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." (WA)
"(50% new oak): Bright gold. Complex, heady bouquet of pear nectar, melon, licorice and ginger, with a smoky mineral undertone. Spicy and precise on the palate, showing gently sweet orchard fruit flavors with complicating notes of anise, buttered toast and white pepper. This complex chardonnay finishes with strong bit and ingering smokiness." (IWC) |