Marcassin

Marcassin Vineyard Chardonnay 2008

9.6

2008 vintage. Yeah, some wackoid(s) gave this 100 points. Whatevs. Arrived at 70-72 degrees. Zero chill. Immediately plunged into an ice bath. Used a Durand to open but the über-dry cork just laughed at it and decided to pixelate into small, broken safety glass-styled fragments. Not the sign I was looking for. Here comes the funnel + screen + decanter to save the day. That screen needs a raise come review time. Put the decanter atop the ice bath with a protective serviette between and gave it another 5-6 mins in the chill. Color not quite yellow Chartreuse but pretty close. Tasted at approx 58-59 degrees. Like a trip to the confectionery + bakery. Whoa! Medium/medium-heavy body and this was popping. Splashes and suggestions of fruits, bread products and baking spices without an overriding, final boss. Phenomenal. Can’t give it a Wilt but it did not suck and should drink as such for at least another half-decade. Have had plenty of Marcassin whites and reds and this was the best of the lot. Transcendent. For all that…? 9.6. Soviet…er…Russian judge mode deployed. 3.6.25. — 17 days ago

David, Zach and 15 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

East Bench Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2023

Ericsson

9.0

Ridge Vineyards Wine Mixer at Thyme Restaurant — 2 months ago

Tom, Peter and 5 others liked this

Sandlands

Sonoma County Trousseau 2019

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two hours. The 2019 pours a dull ruby color with a slight brownish tinge; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, pomegranate, mushroom, and gravel. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. This is fantastic and squarely in the zone. Drink now though, it’s not going to fall off a cliff on the next couple years. — a month ago

Ira, Zach and 12 others liked this

Paul Hobbs

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Paul Hobbs – Chardonnay / 2022
Russian River Valley AVA – Sonoma County / California / USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, where cooling Pacific fog allows for extended hang time and optimal ripening. A flagship-style expression from Paul Hobbs, balancing richness with precision and structure.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe tropical fruit, pineapple, mango, and citrus, layered with orchard fruit and subtle hints of vanilla, toast, and spice. Aromatics are expressive yet controlled, never overripe.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ to full-bodied with a refined, polished texture. There’s weight and intensity, but beautifully integrated acidity keeps everything in line. Subtle creaminess without excess, leading into a long, smooth, and elegant finish.

Food Pairings
Butter-poached lobster, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, scallops, or elevated seafood dishes.

Verdict
A powerful yet disciplined Chardonnay that showcases precision winemaking. Rich in character without losing balance, this is where intensity meets elegance.

Did You Know?
The Russian River Valley’s signature morning fog (pulled in from the Pacific through the Petaluma Gap) slows ripening, allowing Chardonnay to develop both ripeness and acidity simultaneously, a key to its balance.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is Paul Hobbs in full control. Intense, layered, and polished, yet never heavy-handed. The tropical profile is elevated, the texture is refined, and the finish is impressively long. A Chardonnay that commands attention but delivers it with elegance. — 4 hours ago