98pts James Suckling - #9 Top 100 Wines USA 2025
Wow, a super well-structured, vital wine with oodles of generous black fruit flavors on a firm frame that will help it age well and improve with time. Black cherries, blackberries, blueberries, forest floor nuances and a slight smoky, stemmy character from using mostly Calera-clone grapes, with 15% whole clusters and 30% new French oak. Great interplay between layered fruit and a fresh, crunchy texture.
97pts Vinous
The 2023 Pinot Noir George Menini Estate is stunning. It offers a captivating mix of aromatic intensity, structure and deep fruit. It's balance is mind-blowing. The clonal mix of Calera, Mt. Eden and 115 gave rise to a Pinot of rare distinction and dynamic energy. I loved it. A closing burst of red/purplish fruit, rose petal and mocha lingers on the finish. What a stunner.
95pts Wine Spectator
This is vivid, bristling with crunchy acidity that helps drive a mix of mulberry, black cherry and raspberry fruit along, while letting in rose hip, hibiscus and pomegranate accents along the edges. Expressive and well-defined, this is brimming with energy. Best from 2026 through 2035.
Tasting Notes
Displaying a jeweled ruby color from core to rim, the wine presents alluring aromas of tart cranberry and pomegranate, complemented by an undertone of black tea. Plush dark red fruits add a lively charm to this wine followed by a palpable energy accentuated by subtle hints of oyster shell and wet stone. The finely tuned balance of acidity and tannins creates a textured elegance, all ending in a persistent finish.
Winery Notes
Pioneering winemaker Paul Hobbs established his namesake winery in 1991 with the vision and dedication to sustainably craft wines with minimal intervention and meticulous care to capture the purist concept of place. Widely recognized for forging new paths in pursuit of excellence, Paul Hobbs Winery is the pinnacle reflection of our desire to showcase the individuality of new and historical sites in Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
