Any Paul Hobbs or Martinelli fans out there?

WINE TALK
1

Both spring mailers hit this past week and was curious on peoples buying habits particularly with these two names? Looks like PH is introducing a new chard, Ellen Ln Estate. I’ve always enjoyed their Richard Dinner and Ritchie chards as well as their Ulises Valdez and Hyde pinots. As for Martinelli, I’ve always enjoyed their Biondi Home Ranch and Zio Tony pinots. They are pretty pricey ($60+) and I know they retail for pretty much the same as list, but I don’t see too much commentary on these two producers amongst the Berserker community. Just curious.

2

Gave up on Martinelli years ago. Bought on Parker high ratings, decided the wines were volatile, over-wrought and just not for my palate. Still trying to get rid of multiple cases. I actually like the syrahs but find the pinots and chards not to my liking. Try before you buy, make sure you like the style. My2cents.

3

I am a Hobbs fan. The new Ellen Ln Estate used to be called Walker Station. They replanted it after the 07 harvest. The 07 Walker Station Chardonnay is one of the best I have ever had. I usually get the cabs to but due to budget I am just getting some of the Chardonnays and will pick up the Cab at retail later.

4

Yeah, not to rain on your parade, as you probably weren’t looking for this kind of feedback, but I’m with Mark - a one-time mailing list participant, I found their Chards to be a clear winner in the “how much oak can I stuff in a wine” derby, and their Blue Slide Ridge Pinot is a true “franken-wein”, representing everything I detest in California Pinot.

Luckily, I was able to off-load my remaining bottles years ago, and hopefully they found a more appreciative palate than mine [cheers.gif] .

5

Good feedback, thank you!

6

I’m a big fan of Hobbs, but cannot justify paying mailing list prices when retail/third party is much cheaper.