Paul Hobbs Lindsay Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008: RP 95.  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.  "Even better is the brilliant 2008 Pinot Noir Lindsay Estate (the home vineyard for Paul Hobbs that is planted with an assortment of clones such as the Calera and Swan California selections as well as the Pommard clone). It exhibits copious aromas of black currants, black cherries, raspberries, underbrush and spring flowers as well as a dense, full-bodied mouthfeel and a multilayered texture. This dazzling Pinot Noir can be enjoyed over the next decade.  Drink 2011-2021." Feb 2011 (516 cases made)

Paul Hobbs Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008:  RP94.  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.  "The brilliant 2008 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard is one of the finest Pinots I tasted from the 2008 vintage. Made from the Pommard and Calera clones, it exhibits a dark, saturated plum/ruby/purple-tinged color as well as an enormous bouquet of plums, soy, forest floor, black cherries and black currants, stunning, full-bodied, rich fruit and a supple, luscious finish. This decadent, full-throttle Pinot Noir can be consumed over the next decade or more.  Drink 2010-2020.
One of California’s most renowned international wine consultants (he consults with 14 bodegas in Argentina, 3 wineries in Chile and also an estate in Armenia), Paul Hobbs is also a well-known consultant in California with his best-known clients being Merus, Stewart Cellars, Clos Pegase and Constant.  Hobbs produces one Napa Valley Pinot Noir from the Carneros region. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignons all look sensational. As a group, they come close to rivaling the brilliant success Paul Hobbs enjoyed in 2007. An early look at barrel samples of four 2009s suggests these are very strong efforts. Paul Hobbs did not make a 2009 Stagecoach or Hyde Cabernet because he had not harvested those Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards before the deluge of rain hit in mid-October." Dec 2010 (741 cases made)

Paul Hobbs Ulises Valdez Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009:  94WS  Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style. "A fragrant, delicate style, exhibiting violet, red berry and blackberry fruit scents, with touches of black cherry and wild berry. Full-bodied and spicy, ending with a mouthwatering minerality. Drink now through 2018." Jul 2011 (222 cases made)

Winery-Lindsay 08: "From the iron?rich, Goldridge soils of our estate vineyard emerges a pinot noir of striking complexity, concentration and sophistication. Ruby?hued and intensely aromatic with Bing cherry, spice and forest floor, it resonates with pure pinot noir character. Seamless layers of wild raspberry, cola, violets and cedar intertwine and gain depth through a midpalate framed by supple tannins and clove that create an elegant, lingering finish."

Winery-Hyde 08:  "Deep ruby in color, this elegant, refined pinot noir is aromatic with blueberry, violets and sage. Earthy and slightly brooding, the palate opens slowly with impressions of forest floor and black tea that yield to mouth?filling flavors of red and black cherry. Fine, silky tannins, clean minerality and balanced acidity grace a long finish."

Winery-Ulises Valdez 09: "Cerise in color, this stately pinot noir is a quintessential portrait of assertiveness and refinement in harmony. Aromas of black cherry, violets, and white pepper lead to a firmly structured velvety palate exploding with dark fruits, spice, cola, and subtle notes of almond oil. A seductive finish intertwines oak and firm tannins with balanced acidity for a long memorable finish."

Wired For Wine:   Masterful, divinely inspired, gifted.  These may be words you've heard describe renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs, especially when it comes to his outstanding Pinot Noirs.  Our Paul Hobbs Elite Pinot Noir 3-Pack is a terrific opportunity to sample his brilliant efforts, either now, or for a special occasion somewhere on the horizon.  Whichever Vineyard you choose to open first, we say let it rest for a bit, while you put the finishing touches on a large dish of porcini mushroom bites.  Prepare for great delight.  Depending on your gathering, we have three suggestions for these righteously delicious Pinots.  The classic combination of salmon brings to mind a rosemary-rubbed side of salmon with salted, roast potatoes.  To celebrate the luscious fruit, grill some lamb chops and top them with a warm pomegranate relish.  For a real WOW factor, we say beef tenderloin with red wine sauce, creamed spinach and truffled french fries.  Did you just hear a pin drop??  No one's going to leave without a last course, so bring out the decanter you've had resting during dinner, and refill the glasses to go with an Italian Pecornio Foglie di Noce cheese.  It is rustic and delectable, and it will only reinforce what we've been saying all along: Paul is The Man....

Size:  750ml, cork
Varietal:  100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: Lindsay:14.6%. Hyde: 14.7%. Ulises: 14.4%
Ageing:  Lindsay: 16 months in Seguin Moreau and Francois Frères French oak barrels; 68% new. Hyde: 10 months in French oak barrels; 63% new.. Ulises:15 months in French oak barrels; 67% new
Region:  Lindsay & Ulises: Russian River Valley, California. Hyde: Carneros/Napa Valley, California