My last bottle of 2013 Art Series Chardonnay. This remains one of the top Chardonnays in Australia together with Giaconda and Bindi Quartz Block for mine. As per previous note aromatics of white peach and cashew together with mealy notes. Not as full bodied as other Art Series but certainly doing well at 13 years of age. I often identify a dried pear character and this has hints of that. 98 points from James Halliday. — a month ago
Drinking wonderfully! — a month ago
Drink now or cellar. This is an elegant, velvety, Pinot that never disappoints. — 2 months ago
Strawberry jam, high alcohol, red fruit compote. — 3 months ago
Paul Hobbs – Pinot Noir / 2023
Russian River Valley AVA – Sonoma County / California / USA 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Pinot Noir from select vineyard sites across the Russian River Valley. A refined, cool-climate expression that balances depth, structure, and elegance, showcasing Paul Hobbs’ precision-driven style.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red and dark cherry, raspberry, and plum, layered with subtle baking spice, vanilla, and a touch of forest floor. Oak is present but beautifully restrained, more of a whisper than a statement.
Mouthfeel
Medium+ body with a silky, polished texture. Structured yet graceful, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine moves seamlessly across the palate, fluid, lifted, and balanced.
Food Pairings
Duck breast, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or earthy dishes with herbs.
Verdict
A Pinot Noir that bridges complexity and drinkability. Layered and structured, yet effortlessly elegant, this is Russian River precision at a high level.
🍷 Did You Know?
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir owes much of its finesse to diurnal shifts, warm days build ripeness, while cool, foggy nights preserve acidity and aromatic detail.
🍷 Personal Pick
This is where Pinot becomes expressive without trying too hard. The oak is dialed in, the texture is silky, and the balance is spot on. It doesn’t shout, it truly danced in my palate! Cheers! — 4 months ago
Reddish in color with medium intensity.
Fruity nose with cherries, fresh raspberries, light oak, spices, chocolates, earth, herbs and tobacco leaf.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with strawberries, raspberries, fresh cherries, light oak, chocolates, herbs, earth, light tobacco and black pepper.
Good length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy pomegranates.
This 3 year old Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is starting to drink very nicely now.
Fruit forward and easy drinking, elegant and nicely balanced. Tangy and refreshing, complex and entertaining.
Will continue to age nicely in 5 years.
I gave it a light chill and had it all by itself.
100% Pinot Noir grapes were aged in (35% new) French Oak barrels for 9 months.
13.9% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$45. — a month ago
This was showing beautifully with good richness, balance, red & black fruits, earth, spice box, cedar, leather & tobacco notes — a month ago
Balanced, not too sweet. A softer cab. — 2 months ago
Very nice and truly enjoyed. — 3 months ago
Oak, pear, citrus, mineral, and brioche. — 4 months ago
Had at Kavel's: Notes of dark cherry, cola, baking spice, a touch of vanilla oak, and soft tannins. — 17 days ago
Cherry, raspberry, blueberry, cinnamon, and oak. Maybe a touch young but still delightful. — 2 months ago
Low acidity with a nice butter finish. — 2 months ago
Inky in color with a reddish rim.
Fruity nose of black currants, plums, licorice, light cedar, earth, cola, herbs, spices, tobacco leaf, dark coffee, black tea and light garigge notes.
Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with black plums, currants, oak, light licorice, spices, dark chocolates, earth, tobacco leaf, cola, herbs, peppercorn and light vegetables.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.
This young Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley is already drinking beautifully. Rich and fruit forward. Nicely balanced with a smooth mouthfeel. Elegant and complex, spicy and tangy.
Delicious now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.
The alcohol is nicely integrated already, although not as high as typically from this region.
Robert Parker 95 points. Wine Spectator 92 points.
I've had a few vintages of this wine and this is not my favorite, by far.
A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec.
14% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$450. — 3 months ago


Ken Venezio
Twomey's 25th anniversary RRV Pinot. Expressive florals both on taste and nose. Red cherry opener and I get a bit of smoke and dusty soil. Medium mouthfeel and mild tannins. The wine is well-balanced and quite expressive through the finish. — 4 days ago