The Honest Pour with John Lenart

We’re back after a short break. We return to the U.S. after our Chianti Classico series to visit with a most thoughtful California wine maker. While many interviews are about history, culture or estate terroir, Paul Hobbs is a guy who I can geek out with about wine. And that makes me happy. Despite his impressive resume, talking with him about soil types, climate, and grape variety is something that is really exciting and makes you want to taste and enjoy his wines. What I really loved about talking with Hobbs is that his passion extends beyond California to Argentina, Spain, France, and Armenia, not because he wants to globalize his brand but  in order to hone his craft. I sat down with Paul to talk about this and of course to taste some delicious wines.

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 Paul Hobbs

2016 Paul Hobbs Winery, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Wonderfully balanced aroma of cherry and clay with notes of fresh herbs. Finessed body highlighted by complex flavors of strawberry, blueberry and black tea. Great balance of sunshine and earth.

SRP:  $65

2014 Paul Hobbs Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nathan Coombs Estate, Coombsville, Napa Valley

Napa meets Bordeaux in this restrained, elegant Napa cab. Inky deep purple in color. Aromas of dark mixed berries, cassis, lavander, and black olive. Flavors of blackberry, black currant, graphite and dark chocolate are backed up by fantastic structure. Absolutely delicious and drinkable now but will age for decades to come. A classic.

SRP: $400

2014 Crocus Le Calcifere

Not your aunt’s sweet grenadine-like malbec. This intensely colored wine booms with aromas of dark berries, earth and spice box. Concetrated flavors of plum, cocoa, and baking spices are brought into balance by nice acidity and grippy tannin. GIMME A STEAK!

SRP: $45