2003 Paul Hobbs Winery Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard Carneros

It is not unusual for Mr. Hobbs' wines to be filled with ripe grape notes, and this one combines its high ripeness into a heady brew that shows both somewhat of a dried quality as well as hints of greens. The wine is thick and fleshy in its feel on the palate and comes up with enough fruitiness to stave off any tendency to heaviness.

Full red-ruby. Black cherry, raspberry, minerals, meat and menthol on the nose. Silky on entry, then subtly sweet and juicy, with cherry and mineral flavors. Finishes firmly tannic, subtle and persistent. Very interesting pinot.