2008 Chardonnay Cuvee Agustina Richard Dinner Vineyard
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Tasting notes
There is a dramatic difference between the latter wine and the 2008 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard Cuvee Agustina. The Cuvee Agustina reveals a greenish hue to its light gold color and offers up scents of white peaches, honeysuckle, caramelized tropical fruits and notions of butter and smoke. It also possesses undeniable minerality. Considered to be the finest Chardonnay in the Paul Hobbs portfolio, in 2008 I agree with them, but I do think the Ulises Valdez cuvee is as stunning. Drink the Cuvee Agustina over the next 4-5 years. The irrepressible Paul Hobbs fashioned a beautiful portfolio of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in both 2008 and 2009. His style of Chardonnay comes directly from the Burgundy handbook, meaning cool vineyard sites, full malolactic fermentations, lots of lees contact and the use of well-established clones, such as the old Wente and occasionally some of the newer Dijon clones. The 2009 Chardonnays are slightly more perfumed as well as lower in alcohol. Tel. (707) 824-9879; Fax (707) 824-5843
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright yellow-gold. An exotic, highly pungent bouquet shows iodine, orange zest, pear and minerals, with sexy oak spices gaining strength with air. Deep, sappy, mineral-driven orchard fruit and bitter citrus flavors are enlivened by zesty acidity. The iodine note lingers on the finish, which is extremely long and smoky. This packs a real punch.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.