March 2025 Wines of the Month

Winery: Oak Farm Vineyards Region: Lodi, specifically the Mokelumne River sub-AVA.   Terroir: The vineyards are certified green and sustainably farmed. The Barbera grapes are sourced from the estate vineyard located to the northwest of the tasting room and production facility. The vineyard uses shoot thinning, crop thinning, and leaf pulling on the north side of the vine, trained on a vertical shoot position trellis system. The soils contribute to the wine's characteristics.   Wine Characteristics: The wine presents notes of vanilla, anise, dark fruits, leather, and spices. It's described as dry and rich in flavor, but not heavy.   The wine offers bright flavors of cherry, raspberry, and red plum, with a hint of spice and a touch of earthiness. It has high acidity and soft tannins, creating a refreshing, smooth finish.

The Winery: The winery is the project of Paul Hobbs, a highly respected and internationally recognized winemaker. The winery is named after his parents, Joan Hillick and Edward Hobbs.   The winemaking itself is led by Lynne Fahy. She is the winemaker that crafts the wines, and is noted for her talent, and focus on the vineyard.   Region and Terroir: The wine originates from the Finger Lakes region, specifically the Seneca Lake area. This region is known for its cool climate, which is ideal for growing Riesling grapes.   The terroir is characterized by steep slopes and predominantly hard slate soils. These factors contribute to the wine's distinct minerality and acidity.   The unique high density vineyard planting, with rows running perpendicular to the lake, helps control ventilation and sun exposure.   Wine Characteristics: Hillick & Hobbs focuses exclusively on Riesling, aiming to produce wines that rival those of top European regions. The Dry Riesling is known for its: High acidity. Mineral-driven character. Notes of citrus, stone fruit, and sometimes floral hints. Elegant and concentrated flavors. The wines are made with a focus on expressing the terrior of the Seneca Lake vineyard.