Crossbarn By Paul Hobbs Chardonnay

Crossbarn is Paul Hobbs' project in Sonoma, and the 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has a pale straw colour that might make you think it’s a light sipper, but it has a lot more going on. The nose is bright and perfumed, with white florals and citrus peel. The first sip hits you with a burst of vibrant citrus - Meyer lemon, clementine, grapefruit even - with medium-high acidity that keeps things fresh. Then, the mid-palate shows a bit more depth, with flavours of sliced pears and apples and lemon custard, a touch of beeswax, with a warm finish.

The 2023 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) is gorgeous. Racy and silky on the palate, with terrific energy, the 2023 is a fine introduction to this range. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint, tangerine peel and a kick of French oak grace this creamy, sensual Chardonnay. The 2023 is beautifully done.

The recently bottled 2023 Chardonnay is fresh and ester-y on the nose with scents of pears, honey and baker’s yeast. The palate is rounded and fresh with beeswax-laced fruit and a long, flavorful finish. It’s easy to drink and widely available with 21,250 cases produced.