2006 Paul Hobbs Winery Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard Carneros

Easily the most outstanding demonstration of classic, French-like structure and potential in combination with the very best fruit of California, this wine has all the hallmarks of greatness on its side and never lets up from first sniff to lasting aftertaste. The sharp focus of its red cherry, black cherry fruit is combined in a seam-less blend with caramelly oak, sweet smoke and a background of toasted brioche. There is California richness here to be sure, and yet this wine is about balance, polish and still developing flavors rather than about current reward. Its supple central texture has plenty of surrounding solidity, and while the wine entices today, it has enormous room for growth and complex maturity. Please allow it to sit for three to six years.

Dark red. Subdued, brooding aromas of dark cherry and chocolate. Fresher red and dark berry flavors are brightened by zesty minerals and given grip by dusty tannins. Finishes with very good persistence but limited definition. A serious, deeply concentrated style of pinot that needs some cellar time to loosen up.