Paul Hobbs Winery Pinot Noir George Menini Estate 2021
Paul Hobbs Winery Pinot Noir George Menini Estate 2021
Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
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Tasting Notes
The 2021 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir George Menini Estate is a beautifully expressive wine from the Sebastopol Hills, showcasing a more reflective style of Pinot Noir. In the glass, it presents a deep ruby hue, enticing with fresh aromas of raspberry and mountain strawberry, interwoven with delicate notes of baking spices. On the palate, this Pinot reveals layers of blue fruits and sandstone, while hints of vanilla add warmth and complexity. The wine’s structure is framed by supple tannins and lively acidity, creating a balanced tension that enhances its overall vibrancy.
This Pinot Noir is bright and focused, with a long, elegant finish that lingers, leaving an impression of both power and finesse. Perfectly crafted for those who appreciate a well-rounded, refined expression of Pinot Noir, it pairs beautifully with dishes such as roast duck, mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon. Experience this exceptional wine now or cellar it to reveal even more depth and complexity over time.
640 cases produced -
Story
Paul Hobbs is a legendary figure in California winemaking, known for his innovative approach and dedication to quality. Born into a farming family in upstate New York, Hobbs brought his agricultural roots and passion for science into the world of winemaking, where he quickly gained recognition for his ability to identify unique vineyards that express a true sense of place. With winemaking experience at renowned wineries like Opus One and Simi, and consulting roles with Peter Michael and Fisher Vineyards, Hobbs has established himself as one of California’s most influential winemakers. His own wineries, Paul Hobbs and CrossBarn in California, as well as Viña Cobos in Argentina, are celebrated for their meticulous farming practices, including low crop yields, hand-sorting of grapes, and natural fermentation methods.
Paul Hobbs Winery is dedicated to crafting wines that reflect their terroir, focusing on sustainability and minimal intervention to allow the fruit’s natural character to shine. Hobbs' global influence extends beyond California, with projects in Argentina, France, Armenia, and more. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including several 100-point wine scores, solidifying his position as one of the world’s top winemakers. Hobbs’ innovative techniques, combined with his deep respect for the land, have helped redefine modern winemaking, earning him the nickname “The Steve Jobs of Wine.” Through Paul Hobbs Winery, he continues to produce exceptional wines that embody both tradition and innovation, captivating wine enthusiasts worldwide.
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Somm Notes
The 2021 Growing Season - The 2021 growing season in the Russian River Valley was marked by a combination of challenges and favorable conditions that had a significant impact on the region’s Pinot Noir. The season began with below-average rainfall, leading to a relatively dry winter. While this created concerns about drought, it also contributed to smaller grape clusters with more concentrated flavors. A cool spring delayed bud break slightly, but the warm, dry summer ensured consistent ripening. Fortunately, the region was spared from the extreme heat spikes and wildfires that affected other parts of California, allowing for a smooth growing season.
For the 2021 vintage of Pinot Noir, these conditions resulted in smaller yields, but with exceptional quality. The lower crop levels meant that the grapes ripened with greater intensity, leading to wines with deep, concentrated fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and refined tannins. The cool nights helped maintain freshness, while the dry conditions allowed winemakers to pick at optimal ripeness, producing wines with impressive balance and structure. Overall, the 2021 Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley showcases the hallmark characteristics of the region: vibrant red and blue fruit, delicate floral notes, and a nuanced, elegant profile that will age beautifully.
Sustainability - Paul Hobbs Winery is committed to sustainability through eco-friendly vineyard management, water conservation, and energy-efficient practices. The winery uses organic and biodynamic methods to maintain soil health, avoids synthetic chemicals, and promotes biodiversity. Water conservation is prioritized with efficient irrigation systems, while low crop yields enhance fruit quality and reduce environmental strain. In the cellar, native yeast fermentation minimizes chemical additives, allowing the wines to naturally reflect their terroir. These efforts ensure that Paul Hobbs Winery produces exceptional wines while protecting the environment for future generations.
Reviews:
97 points - ANTONIO GALLONI (Vinous)
'Paul Hobbs’ 2021 Pinots are sensational. I tasted the wines twice, several months apart, and was blown away both times. It’s not an understatement to say everything has changed here in recent years. In the field, the focus has shifted towards cooler sites and leaving more leaf cover, while fruit is picked a bit earlier than in the past. Vinifications are much gentler, and the oak imprint, once such a signature here, has been lessened. The result is a set of Pinots that scream with purity of fruit and the essence of site. This level of quality can’t be achieved by a single person but is very clearly the work of an entire team. Bravo!"
97 points James Suckling
This is so spicy, with crushed cloves, nettles and blue fruit. Sichuan spices, too. Full-bodied with juicy fruit and orange zest. Creamy and polished tannins. Wonderful depth and length. Drink or hold.
96 points Wine Advocate
The 2021 Pinot Noir George Menini is a new bottling from Paul Hobbs. It has ringing tones of red and black cherries, blueberries and lavender on the nose and reveals accents of iodine, mossy bark and tobacco as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with a concentrated core of dark, broody fruit, generous earthy nuances and a very long, mouthwatering finish.
95 points Wine Spectator
Assertive, with a forthright beam of plum, cherry and mulberry pâte de fruit flavors that stretch out nicely, carried by filigreed acidity and inlaid with subtle incense, potpourri and black tea notes. The finish is underscored by a subtle mineral tinge. Best from 2024 through 2032.
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Region
The George Menini Estate, located in the Sebastopol Hills of the southwestern Russian River Valley, benefits from a unique microclimate that sets it apart from the broader region. Cool ocean breezes and morning fog roll in from the Pacific, creating a consistently cool, temperate environment. This cooling effect is particularly strong in the Sebastopol Hills compared to the warmer, more inland areas of the Russian River Valley. As a result, the estate enjoys a longer growing season, which allows Pinot Noir grapes to develop complex flavors while maintaining vibrant acidity.
This distinct terroir, marked by sandstone soils and a cooler, foggy microclimate, plays a key role in producing Pinot Noir with refined elegance and intensity. The extended hang time allows the grapes to ripen slowly, enhancing their natural fruit expression, while the cool temperatures preserve their delicate structure and freshness. As Paul Hobbs acquired this vineyard in 2012, naming it after the former proprietor and apple farmer George Menini, the estate has since become a premier site for cultivating premium Pinot Noir. The result is wines that are focused, balanced, and rich in blue and red fruit flavors, with a signature brightness and complexity characteristic of the Sebastopol Hills terroir.