2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Hyde Vineyard

Another knock-out effort is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Hyde Vineyard, one of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons to come out of the Carneros area. Aromas of flowers, charcoal, blackberries, cassis, and pain grille characterize this full-bodied wine. With sweet tannin, a broad, expansive mouthfeel, and a long finish, this superb effort is about as good as Carneros Cabernet Sauvignon can be. It should drink well for 15-20 years. Paul Hobbs is one of the most brilliant consultants working in California, and he is well-placed in Argentina with a number of projects there as well. His empire is in the Russian River, and it continues to expand, with a bevy of artisinal hand-made Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, and more recently, Syrahs. These are full-throttle wines that merit serious attention. He clearly fared very well with his 2006 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir programs, and seems to have hit veritable home runs with the brilliance of these wines as well as his Cabernets and Syrahs in 2007. Paul Hobbs’ 2007 Chardonnays are crisp, full-bodied, intensely flavorful wines with higher than usual levels of vibrancy and freshness because of the acid profiles and cool growing season. In addition to the great success he enjoys with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, Hobbs also hits all the high notes with his Cabernet Sauvignons. There are five offerings, starting with his Napa bottling, one of the better generic efforts in the marketplace. Another fabulous vintage for Paul Hobbs, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignons may ultimately come close to resembling the great successes he has had, including his brilliant 2001s and 2002s. Tel. (707) 824-9879; Fax (707) 824-5843

Deep ruby-red. Sharply focused red berry and cherry aromas are deepened by smoked meat, licorice and black tea, with cedary oak spice building with aeration. Racy red fruit flavors offer surprising depth, with good minerality lending urgency. Blends richness with energy, finishing brisk and long. A fresh, elegant wine that offers admirable balance and lift.