Paul Hobbs

Russian River Valley Chardonnay

9.223 ratings
9.35 pro ratings
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

Dinner at RARE Steakhouse.

Light golden yellow and a touch unfiltered. A bunch of lemon crud on the nose with buttery characteristics, baked apples and honeysuckle. Medium acidity (6/10) and medium bodied. Coated and rich palate with layers of baked apples, citrus, almonds and some minerality. Long well rounded finish. Paired perfectly with crab cakes. Thank you for the recommendation Chris. Drink till 2021.

This 2015 Chardonnay comes from six vineyards in the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County (Ross Station Estate, Edward James Estate, Ellen Lane Estate, O’Connor Vineyard, Feeney Estate, and Dinner Vineyard). Aged sur lie for twelve months in 50% new French oak barrels and four months in stainless steel. Also goes through malolactic fermentation.

$$ - Purchased at RARE Steakhouse in Washington, DC for 50% off bottle night (every Sunday) for $45.00. Recent vintage retails for around $60.00.

Dinner at RARE Steakhouse.

Light golden yellow and a touch unfiltered. A bunch of lemon crud on the nose with buttery characteristics, baked apples and honeysuckle. Medium acidity (6/10) and medium bodied. Coated and rich palate with layers of baked apples, citrus, almonds and some minerality. Long well rounded finish. Paired perfectly with crab cakes. Thank you for the recommendation Chris. Drink till 2021.

This 2015 Chardonnay comes from six vineyards in the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County (Ross Station Estate, Edward James Estate, Ellen Lane Estate, O’Connor Vineyard, Feeney Estate, and Dinner Vineyard). Aged sur lie for twelve months in 50% new French oak barrels and four months in stainless steel. Also goes through malolactic fermentation.

$$ - Purchased at RARE Steakhouse in Washington, DC for 50% off bottle night (every Sunday) for $45.00. Recent vintage retails for around $60.00.

Jan 29th, 2019
Shawn R

Really like this! Drinks well young. Pairs nicely with fresh oysters.

Really like this! Drinks well young. Pairs nicely with fresh oysters.

Jul 10th, 2018
Shawn R

Go to Chardonnay when dinning at one of our local restaurants. Needs to come down to room temp to show its stuff.

Go to Chardonnay when dinning at one of our local restaurants. Needs to come down to room temp to show its stuff.

Jun 10th, 2018
Shawn R

Solid AVA designation. Pop and pour.

Solid AVA designation. Pop and pour.

May 25th, 2018
Paul J
9.7

Wow! Had to try the ‘15 after the having the insane ‘16 last weekend! Almost identical but this may be a bit more complex with butter, honey, slight butterscotch, and caramel. Big depth and finish. I could drink this all day everyday!!

Wow! Had to try the ‘15 after the having the insane ‘16 last weekend! Almost identical but this may be a bit more complex with butter, honey, slight butterscotch, and caramel. Big depth and finish. I could drink this all day everyday!!

Jan 23rd, 2023
Paul J
9.5

Great! Medium gold color. Lovely combination of Burgundy and Napa. Butter, lemongrass, and the right balance of acidity and depth. Fairly big wine. Price point could be better, but I really enjoyed it.

Great! Medium gold color. Lovely combination of Burgundy and Napa. Butter, lemongrass, and the right balance of acidity and depth. Fairly big wine. Price point could be better, but I really enjoyed it.

Jan 31st, 2022
Paul J
9.2

Medium gold color. Massive butter and cream that makes me feel like the wine is missing something. A little acidity wouldn’t hurt. Serve on the colder side as far as I’m concerned.

Medium gold color. Massive butter and cream that makes me feel like the wine is missing something. A little acidity wouldn’t hurt. Serve on the colder side as far as I’m concerned.

Nov 24th, 2019
Julian Gross

Really nice PH chard, love it

Really nice PH chard, love it

Feb 4th, 2019
Naoki Otani

10.25.2018

10.25.2018

Oct 26th, 2018
Patrick Clary

Out Far-Nientes Far Niente: orotund Chardonnay heavyweight, pleasure in the glass, on the nose and tongue!

Out Far-Nientes Far Niente: orotund Chardonnay heavyweight, pleasure in the glass, on the nose and tongue!

May 29th, 2018