Press and Reviews
2009 CrossBarn Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
91pts. ~ Wine Advocate
A stunning bargain is the 2009 Chardonnay CrossBarn, which was aged in 75% stainless steel, was put through 100% malolactic, and 15% was barrel fermented in order to provide a subtle hint of spice. Made in a steely, Chabilis-like style, it offers up full-bodied tropical fruit notes intermixed with hints of honeysuckle and crushed rocks. Drink over the next several years. - Robert Parker, Jr.
91pts. ~ Wine Spectator
CrossBarn is Paul Hobbs' second label, but it doesn't taste second place. It's crisp yet rich an creamy, with notes of baked apples and spice. While Chardonnays with the Hobbs label run $50 or more, the CrossBarn is a reasonable $25. I rated it 91pts, non-blind. - Tim Fish
90pts. ~ International Wine Cellar
Greenish gold. Zesty floral nose displays lemon pith, lime and white pepper, plus a sexy note of honeysuckle. Bright but dense and supple, offering juicy citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a kiss of candied flowers. Finishes with good clarity, cut and spicy persistence. - Josh Raynolds
2008 CrossBarn Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
88pts. ~ International Wine Cellar
Bright gold. Pear, melon and spice on the nose, plus a hint of toast. Juicy, monderately concentrated orchard fruit and melon flavors are given bite by tangy lemon zest and firmed by brisk acidity. Broad and gently sweet on the finish, which leaves an echo of smoky lees behind. This is ready to drink. - Josh Raynolds
2 out of 4 stars ~ New York Times
Clean and fresh, with powerful flavors of Meyer lemon. - Eric Asimov
2009 CrossBarn Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
88 pts. ~ Wine Spectator
Fragrant Floral, dried berry, mineral and savory notes are full-bodied and layered in this red. Focused, pure and persistent, with a pretty touch of fruitiness on the finish. Drink now through 2018. - James Laube
92 pts. ~ Wine & Spirits
Hobbs' second label pinot noir has tension to its sweet blue and red berry flavors. It's shadowed by darker oak spice, which adds to the rich impression given by the juicy, supple texture. The long, tart berry flavors will add depty to prime rib. - Joshua Greene
2009 CrossBarn Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
88 pts. ~ Wine Spectator
Fragrant aromas of wild berry, sage, fresh earth and lavender are smooth and fleshy in this medium-bodied red. Gains complexity and elegance. Drink now through 2016. - James Laube
2008 CrossBarn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
93 pts. ~ Wine Enthusiast
A beautiful Pinot Noir. Plays in the major leagues, with its refined texture and complex flavors of cherries, raspberries, licorice and sandalwood, with a long, spicy finish. The most notable feature is the structure. Feels so lush and fine, so delectable, so dramatic. This is one of the best pinots available for drinking now. - Michael Schachner
88 pts. ~ Wine Spectator
Intense and vibrant, a touch raw, but complex and concentrated. Features vivid black and wild berry fruit, cola, and touches of tea and spice, with a long, detailed finish. Drink now through 2015. - James Laube
88 pts. ~ International Wine Cellar
Deep red. Aromas of raspberry, spices and smoky herbs. An attractively sweet, juicy midweight, with good lift and spice to its red fruit-dominated flavors. Open-knit and classic pinot, finishing with sweet tannins and good length. - Josh Raynolds
2009 CrossBarn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
91 pts. ~ The Wine Advocate
A gorgeous, fruit-driven wine bursting with dark red fruit, new leather, spices and licorice. Expressive aromatics are woven throughout in this beautifully delineated, entry-level cabernet. - Antonio Galloni
2008 CrossBarn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
91 pts. ~ The Wine Advocate
A terrific bargain in Napa Cabernet, the 2008 CrossBarn Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross Napa Valley blend. It possesses a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a brilliant perfume of smoked herbs, sweet creme de cassis and blackberry fruit, incense and hints of charcoal and herbs. Savory, broad and expansive on the palate, this full-bodied, supple-textured effort is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet that is silky enough to be drunk early in life and over the next 10-15 years. This is a winner! - Robert Parker, Jr.
90 pts. ~ International Wine Cellar
Deep ruby. Aromatic, nuanced aromas of red and blackcurrant, cherry and licorice. Youthful dark fruit flavors are given shape and delineation by tangy acidity. Firm, fresh and spicy on the finish, which features gentle herbal and floral nuances. This seamless wine is very easy to drink right now. - Josh Raynolds
2007 CrossBarn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
89 pts. ~ Wine Spectator
Marked by herbal, dusty cedar and loamy earth and leather scents, this full-bodied exhibits flavors of dried currant, black licorice, sage and roasted herb on the palate. Drink now through 2017. - James Laube
89 pts. ~ International Wine Cellar
Deep ruby. Expressive aromas of black fruits, mint, licorice and pipe tobacco. Supple and sweet on entry, then pliant in the middle, with very good depth and energy to the blackcurrant and cherry flavors. Finishes with very fine, dusty, building tannins and a resonating tangy quality. This is already quite approachable. - Josh Raynolds