2020-2022 Paul Hobbs "Fraenkle Cheshier Vineyard" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5) Vertical

“A nose of ripe strawberries, whole almonds and red cherries, but lifted by notes of vanilla bean and fresh mint. Medium-bodied with a lot of nuance. Wide-reaching on the palate, but there is a pleasantly delicate expression of rose petals and red cherries, wrapped around the fine, soft tannins. Nicely balanced, rock-salt salinity. The finish feels complete. Drink or hold.” (11/2021)

“Vibrant, with racy-edged pomegranate, plum and black cherry notes, this has light sparkles of anise and savory throughout that add range, while the finish is sleek and tightly focused. (JM)” (08/2022)

“The 2021 Pinot Noir Fraenkle Cheshier Vineyard is one of the most riveting Pinots I have ever tasted from Paul Hobbs. Bright, perfumed and racy, the 2021 is another stellar Pinot in this range. There's tons of nuance and energy running through the 2021. Graphite, rose petal, lavender and exotic red/purplish fruit all build into the deep, resonant finish. What a wine. Harvest was on October 2, late for the year, but not uncommon at this late-ripening site. (AG)” (08/2023)

“A brooding, dark-natured Pinot Noir from Paul Hobbs' Fraenkle Cheshier Vineyard in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, in the Sebastopol Hills. A lifted, fragrant essense of Bing cherry mingles with rich earth, black tea, cedarwood, rose petals, and clove. Full-flavoured with tart, fleshy cherry fruit, orange peel, and slivers of dark chocolate are framed by sappy tannins and a finish that goes on for at least 45 seconds. (JC)” (06/2023)

“Lots of dried flowers, as well as fresh violets on the nose, together with blue fruit and orange peel. Full-bodied, yet weightless, with a concentrated center-palate of fruit and medium-chewy tannins. Spicy finish, with incense and floral flavors at the end.” (09/2022)

“The 2021 Pinot Noir Fraenkle Cheshier Vineyard was vinified using 18% whole clusters and matured in 25% new French oak. It's juicy, flavorful and incredibly perfumed, opening with alluring scents of cranberry and rhubarb, plus accents of conifer and moss, rooibos tea and licorice. The light-bodied palate is juicy and weightless despite its soaring red berry flavors, and its long, latent finish suggests it has more to reveal. (EB)” (10/2023)

“This has nice coiled-up intensity, with loganberry, mulberry and plum notes carried by racy, mouthwatering acidity and backed by subtle briar, anise and black tea notes. The lengthy finish lets the fruit ripple on. (JM)” (04/2023)

“A jeweled ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Fraenkle Cheshier Vineyard opens with a spicy lift, as they do use some whole cluster here, and offers notes of wildflowers, ripe black raspberries, Amarena cherries, and mossy earth. Medium-bodied, it's approachable and floats on the palate with fine tannins and a lovely fresh juicy feel thorough a long finish. A real charmer with a lot of floral and spice character, it's only going to improve over the next couple of years. (AF)” (06/2024)

“Aromas of black berries, dark mushrooms, oyster shells, and some moss. Medium body, round tannins and a juicy finish. Flavorful at the end. Lots of organic character to it. Fresh and savory.” (11/2023)

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Fraenkle Cheshier Vineyard was bottled in August 2023 and tasted in November. It's pure and complex yet fleshy and inviting. The nose features pomegranate, rhubarb preserves and lovely accents of lilac, blood orange, forest floor, fresh tobacco leaves and woodsmoke. The medium-bodied palate is loaded to the brim with juicy, perfumed fruit. It has a soft, supple, mouthwatering frame and a long, spicy finish. (EB)” (12/2023)

“he 2022 Pinot Noir Fraenkle Cheshier is a bold, racy wine. Juicy dark red cherry, rose petal, mint, sage, lavender, spice and blood orange all build nicely. The 2022 offers lovely textural richness and depth, but not quite the delineation or inner sweetness/viscosity of the very best years, as evidenced by slightly grainy tannins that linger.” (12/2023)

“Fresh and enticing for its burst of mulberry and cherry fruit, this is also laced with hints of apple wood, hibiscus and potpourri. Offers a touch of the vintage's profile, with a shy finish, but shows solid effort.” (08/2024)