The 2021 Pinot Noir George Menini Estate, here in its first release, is phenomenal. It offers a striking mix of Russian River opulence and West Sonoma Coast energy. Not surprisingly, it offers tons of energy and nuance. Red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, mint and spice all build as this deep, beautifully resonant Pinot shows off its considerable allure. (AG)

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. 640 cases were made. (EB)

A boisterous and ripe Pinot Noir from Paul Hobbs' George Menini Estate in Russian River Valley. Forthright notes of white pepper and ripe, jammy blackberries on the aromatics framed by quite pretty notes of purple violets and lavender. The palate offers a muscularity of ripe red berries and jammy dark fruits; there are significant dollops of dark earth and a savoury dressing of dried desert sage. (CP)