Patz & Hall Winery
Let me start by saying that these wines are available at the Winery only, that means you cannot go down to your favorite Fine Wine Store and pick up a few bottles of each. The release of limited amounts of cellar door only and library releases is because the winery has changed ownership, back to the original founder James Hall, and his wife Anne Moses. As the story goes, James’s wife Anne did not want to take his last name as she did not want to live in the shadow of the character Annie Hall. Cannot blame her.
Patz & Hall Durell Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
Anyway, onto the wine, their Chardonnays are made to cellar. A close friend in the business visited there several years ago and tasted Chardonnay’s 20 years old and drinking beautifully. A testament to great winemaking.
This is an elegant refined Chardonnay sourced from the Durell Vineyard in Sonoma Valley and is made with a French influence.
The nose does not reveal as much as you would expect but the notes of honeysuckle, melon, apple, and spices are enough to entice you to take a sip.
The palate is rich and inviting with layers of baked apple, honeysuckle, pear, lemon, and spices. I get a sense that everything is intentional with this wine with a level of creaminess and intensity that I do not expect from Sonoma- but great grapes and winemaker make for a surprise. Throw in balanced acidity, some interesting minerality and a long finish and you have a winner.
This will cellar out to 2035 without a problem, be patient and expect improvements.
Pairings should include Shellfish, scallops, Rich Fish dishes, Chicken, and Pork dishes.
Patz & Hall Burnside Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Grapes are sourced from Burnside Vineyard owned by the Martinelli Family, 4th generation growers in Russian River Valley, considered one of the best sites in Russin River Valley. Elegant and restrained is the name of the game.
Alluring aromas of bright dark cherries, raspberries and spices dominate the nose with just a hint of strawberries.
Silky smooth mouthfeel coats your mouth with delightful layers of dark cherries, raspberries, cola, and strawberries with just a hint of sweetness that feels like a ribbon around a gift, completing the package. There is wonderful depth and complexity
that almost goes unnoticed, distracted by soft tannins and excellent balance. This is Russian River Valley in a glass.
Cellaring out to 2030 and beyond will show improvements, but I should mention, it is drinking so impressively well now, you may be tempted to drink this sooner than later.
Pairings should include Salmon, Venison, Duck, Turkey, Chicken, Mushroom Risotto and Truffle mac ‘n cheese.
Patz & Hall Moses-Hall Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Owned by James Hall and his wife Anne Moses, this vineyard is planted with 5 different clones that produces this aromatic, bold Pinot with depth and complexity.
The fruits are on the darker and bolder side compared to the Burnside release. Aromas of dark cherries, dark raspberries, and blueberries heightens your anticipation.
The palate delivers weight and structure with a smooth but bold mouthfeel. All the dark fruits on the nose are here with secondary layers of plum, blackberries and cola.
This will cellar out to 2034 and beyond endorsed by exceptional balance.
Pairings should include Salmon, Venison, Duck, Turkey, Pork, and Lamb Chops.
Vine to Table 