Paul Hobbs Collection

Paul Hobbs has a colorful winemaking background. He studied pre-med at Notre Dame University but after joining a wine tasting club, switched to a career in winemaking. After studying at University of California, Davis, he rose to notoriety at Robert Mondavi, Simi and Opus One. In the mid-1980s, he subsequently made wine in Argentina (Catena), consulted for Peter Michael, Fisher, Lewis and Chalone, and was involved in a winemaking project in Hungary.

Then, in 1991, Paul did what every winemaker dreams of doing – He established his namesake winery in Sebastopol, California. Since then, he has captivated the hearts (& palates) of collectors around the world. The winery exemplifies Paul’s vision and dedication to sustainability and his on-going quest to refine the art of winemaking with minimal intervention, yet meticulous care. The resulting wines express their vineyard origins with finesse, complexity and authenticity.

Today we have a few Original Wood Cases from the 2018 vintage, ready to go to their new homes. Dr. Crane or Las Piedras – take your pick, both are winners.

Dr. Crane Vineyard:

Napa pioneer Dr. George Belden Crane originally planted the vineyard in 1858 in Saint Helena and since 1997 has been under the care of Andy Beckstoffer. Characterized by its gravelly loam soil, the site exudes opulent fruit, polished tannins, and finesse.

Las Piedras Vineyard:

Nestled at the foot of Spring Mountain, the vineyard was planted in 2001 and produces mineral-driven cabernet sauvignon that’s true to its site. Impressed with the quality of the gravelly soil, the farm workers named the vineyard Las Piedras, which means little pebbles. The interplay of pure fruit, and lush tannins capture this vineyard’s unique personality.

With over 20 years of making brilliant wines, Paul Hobbs is a producer that belongs on every Napa collector's wish list. One of the greatest attributes of the Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignons is their ability to deliver incredible pleasure throughout their entire lives.

2018 DR. CRANE

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard was aged in 70% new oak this vintage, as opposed to 100% as it normally is. Deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls out of the glass with perfumed rose hip tea, fragrant earth and incense scents, giving way to a core of kirsch, blackberry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles plus a touch of iron ore. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it has exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins and a refreshing backbone, finishing long and minerally.

99 Pts Robert Parker

2018 LAS PIEDRAS

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard opens with provocative ferrous, crushed rocks and tar notes over a core of crème de cassis, redcurrant jelly and raspberry leaves with a hint of wild fungi. The medium to full-bodied palate is taut with tension and jam-packed with pure black and red fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins, finishing with uplifting mineral sparks. This energetic beauty needs some time. Give it a good 4-5 years in bottle and drink it over the next 25 years+

98 Pts Robert Parker