Paul Hobbs Chardonnay — Russian River Valley 2022
Paul Hobbs is one of California's most celebrated winemakers, and his Russian River Valley Chardonnay is the definitive expression of Sonoma's finest white wine appellation. Raised with 30% new French oak, this 2022 vintage captures the cool-climate elegance and vibrant acidity that make Russian River Valley Chardonnay a benchmark for the style. Meticulous care in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the cellar yield a wine of remarkable purity, tension, and depth — earning 94 points from James Suckling and 93 from three additional top critics.
The nose is bright and inviting: sliced apples, cream, honeyed citrus, fresh salted pineapple, tangerine peel, and white flowers. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with a creamy, lithe texture, vibrant acidity, and a long, flavorful finish of peach, apricot, and spiced oak. A beautiful introduction to the Paul Hobbs range — and a wine with a wide window for enjoyment over the next 7–8 years.
James Suckling 94 • Jeb Dunnuck 93 • Vinous 93 • Wine Spectator 93 — "Full-bodied with plenty of fruit and a creamy texture that shows tension and intensity."
Expert Reviews – Vintage 2022
James Suckling 94 Points | The fruit in this is very beautiful, with sliced apples, cream and hints of stone. Full-bodied with plenty of fruit and a creamy texture that shows tension and intensity. Just the right amount of oak to highlight this. Drink or hold.
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Bright yellow with a green tinge, the 2022 Chardonnay Russian River Valley was raised with 30% new French oak. In the glass it opens to elegant and ripe aromas of fresh salted pineapple, honeyed citrus, and fresh flowers. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and long on the palate, with a wide window for enjoyment over the next 7–8 years.
Vinous 93 Points | A delight. Tangerine peel, butter, ripe pear, apricot and white flowers open effortlessly. Medium in body and vibrant with terrific depth — a beautiful introduction to the range.
Wine Spectator 93 Points | Offers a stylish, sleek mix of tangerine, mango purée and peach preserves, plus a touch of grilled Meyer lemon, all mingling with fresh acidity and a hint of peaches and cream for a lithe texture.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 90 Points | Opens with matchstick scents that give way to baked peaches, apples and honey. The medium-bodied palate offers generous, gently honeyed flavors and integrated, spicy new oak, with a soft, supple texture balanced by lip-smacking acidity and a long, flavorful finish.
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Producer: Paul Hobbs Winery, Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California
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Vintage: 2022
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Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
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Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
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Vinification: 30% new French oak
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Size: 750ml
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Tasting Notes: Sliced apples, cream, honeyed citrus, tangerine peel, pineapple, white flowers, peach, spiced oak
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Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 7–8 years
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Best Paired With: Roast chicken, lobster, pan-seared halibut, truffle pasta, aged Gruyère
A 94-point Russian River Chardonnay from one of California's most iconic winemakers — Paul Hobbs delivers precision, elegance, and undeniable value.
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