Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, Cuvee Agustina, Hyde Vineyard
Carneros, Napa Valley
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
Vol. 142
8/31/2002
Score: 94 (100 possible)
Made from the Calera clone, this expensive but blockbuster Pinot was aged 16 months in 100% new French oak, and bottle with neither fining nor filtration.
A powerful, intense effort, it will require 2-3 years to display its varietal character. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet nose of blackberries, cherry liqueur, smoke, forest floor, and toast scents. Terrific on the palate, with multiple layers, great purity, and a prodigious finish, this is a Pinot Noir for the gluttons. Drink it over the next decade.
