PAUL HOBBS
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
WHY BUY:
Two exceptional single-vineyard treasures from the legendary Paul Hobbs: a 97-point Chardonnay (one of the highest-rated of the entire vintage) and a 96-point Pinot Noir from the stellar 2021 vintage. At under $85 each, these bottles are absolute DEALS, and showcase Hobbs at the peak of his powers — proving why Robert Parker twice named him Wine Personality of the Year. Some names guarantee quality; Paul Hobbs guarantees greatness.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
James Suckling lavished 97 points on the George Menini Chardonnay, and his tasting notes speak to the particularity and distinctiveness of this bottling: "Lots of pears and pear blossom with lemon rind undertones. Medium body with plenty of fruit and energetic acidity with a pumice undertone. Some terra-cotta, too. Flavorful finish. Salty, too. Complex. Lots going on here." Meanwhile, both Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck awarded the Gold Rock Estate Pinot Noir 96 points, with Vinous declaring it “deep, rich and explosive. Dark red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, menthol, spice and rose petals are all amplified in this dramatic Sonoma Coast Pinot. The complexity and intensity here are simply unreal."
OUR TASTING NOTES:
The George Menini Chardonnay delivers remarkable purity and precision, with a crystalline texture that calls forth notes of orchard fruit, citrus zest, and mineral complexity. The Gold Rock Estate Pinot Noir showcases the very best of the West Sonoma Coast: the palate is focused, with well-integrated layers of blueberry, cranberry, and bergamot. A lifted acidity and silky texture add tension to the lingering finish, followed by hints of damp earth and red clay. Both wines exemplify Hobbs' signature style: intense fruit expression balanced by structural elegance and an ineffable sense of place.
THE STORY:
When Forbes called Paul Hobbs "The Steve Jobs of Wine," they weren't just reaching for a clever comparison – they were recognizing a visionary who combines scientific precision with an almost uncanny ability to see potential where others see only convention. His track record speaks volumes: instrumental in creating Opus One, twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, and now the force behind some of California's most celebrated bottles. Paul Hobbs learned the verities of farming early on in life, as one of 11 children who grew up on a family-run orchard in upstate New York; Hobbs and his siblings planted crops and harvested them, and sold them at farmers' markets. This agricultural upbringing would later inform his meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, where he remains as hands-on and detail-oriented as ever.
THE METHOD:
For these single-vineyard expressions, Hobbs employs his signature approach: minimal intervention to allow site expression, hand-harvesting, native yeast fermentations, and judicious use of French oak. All of which leads to wines of uncommon purity and precision.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH:
The George Menini Chardonnay shines alongside rich seafood dishes — think butter-poached lobster or seared scallops. It also pairs beautifully with creamy risottos or herb-roasted chicken. The Gold Rock Estate Pinot Noir brings its layered complexity to game birds, mushroom-forward dishes, or cedar-plank salmon.
FUN FACT:
Hobbs's transformation from apple farmer to wine visionary began when his father planted French-hybrid grapes on their property and invited young Paul to taste the difference between those and his Concord grapes — unwittingly setting the boy on a lifelong passion that would reshape the world of wine.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we source our wines directly from the producer, ensuring perfect provenance. Secure these limited-production single vineyard offerings today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, IL, IN, MI, NC, NE, NY, OK, SC & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.