Sonoma Cool & Oak Swagger — Paul Hobbs Chardonnay RRV ’22

Tasting Notes

Pours a pale straw with a green sheen — Californian daylight in a glass. On the nose: Meyer lemon zest, green apple skin, white peach, and a whisper of matchstick from the subtle oak. On the palate: crisp acidity, vibrant fruit — apricot, nectarine, crisp pear — layered with a fine texture and a wet-stone minerality that keeps it grounded. Oak is present (about 30% new French) but elegant, giving structure not show-off. Drink now through the next 4-8 years.

Meet the Winemaker

Paul Hobbs isn’t just a name — he’s a legend. Based in Sonoma County, his Chardonnay program sources from elite sites in the Russian River Valley, farms with intention, and uses minimalist intervention to let the terroir shine. For the 2022 vintage, the winemaking team used 30% new French oak and pressed for elegance, not over-extraction. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

• Vintage: 2022

• Region: Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California, USA 

• Aging/Vinification: Approximately 30% new French oak, balance in neutral vessels; bright cold-fermented with lees contact for texture. 

• ABV: 14.3% 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 10–12 °C — chill it right, let the fruit sing.

Critic Reviews

• Vinous – 93 pts: “The 2022 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is a delight. Tangerine peel, butter, ripe pear, apricot and white flowers open effortlessly.” 

• Binny’s Retail Listing – 94 pts: “Bright yellow with a green tinge, raised in 30% new French oak.” 

Food Pairings

• Oven-roasted lemon-thyme chicken with a splash of Chardonnay in the sauce.

• Seared scallops with beurre blanc — richness meets freshness.

• Aged cheddar or triple-cream Brie — barrel notes meet texture.

• Sushi (especially yellowtail or halibut) — Pacific & Sonoma align.

• Creamy pasta with spring peas and mint — let the acidity lift it.

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you want a Chardonnay that knows where it’s from, how to deliver, and has something to say. This isn’t your everyday house white — it’s Sonoma dialled in, fruit-forward yet elegant, and backed by a name you trust. For when you want to impress without showing off.

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Raise a glass to premium California Chardonnay done right.