Sonoma Wine At Its Best…

Sean McKenzie

Wine Spectator recently did a big feature on Sonoma Pinots and how  good they are. Ah duh!! Paul Hobbs is generally conceded to be the Godfather of excellent Sonoma Pinots, so when the Insider tried to get him to do the NSI quiz, was told he was too busy with harvest season, but try him in the new year. Will do. Something that makes me salivate is Charlie Palmer’s 20th anniversary Pigs and Pinot fest (March 19-20 – 2027) featuring Charlie, Thomas Keller and Paul Hobbs, what more do you want?  Not to be deterred, got in touch with Brand Manager Nicole Wells, Hobbs’ excellent marketing  gal who hooked me up with Sean McKenzie, the Winemaker of Crossbarn Winery, one of Hobbs’ esteemed wineries. Cheers and enjoy.
What was last night’s dinner? Pork chops with mushrooms and broccolini, very tasty.
What’s your favorite drink? I love to sample IPA craft beers, but I also love to match wines with the seasons.
What’s your favorite music? I love alt/rock and my fav band is The Killers. Just love how consistent they’ve been the last 10 years.
What’s your favorite Sonoma restaurant? Diavola Pizzeria – Love their wood-fired pizzas, house-cured charcuterie/salumi trays, and seasonal local salads.

What’s your favorite thing about living and working in Sonoma? It’s climate. Just incredible how you can enjoy the outdoors almost year round. Love to barbeque, love to hike and enjoy the outdoors.

Paul Hobbs

What makes a great winery? In a word, dedication. So rewarding, working with Paul these last two harvests, totally dedicated to producing the best wine the terroir can provide.

Sean McKenzie & Dave Matthews

Any brush with celebrity? Got to work with Dave Matthews for 10 years when working at Dreaming Tree Wines. Great guy, totally sincere in helping people out and saving the environment.
Any wine, restaurant or trip on your bucket list? I get to go to Japan in the new year, which I think is going to be incredible, then take my kids to Belize for some scuba diving which will be amazing as well.
Final thoughts? This has been a lot of fun, not your typical wine interview, will tell Paul to do it next year. Cheers.