2006 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard

The tannins are noticeable in the extracted, concentrated, broodingly backward, inky/purple-colored 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard. This austere, tannic wine has not yet resolved all its issues with tannin, but it is so concentrated that I think everything is there, it will just require patience. Give it 4-5 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 25 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

Inky purple. Rich, smoky dark berry aromas offer almost porty depth but are also lively and focused. Dense and meaty in the mouth, with powerful blackberry and cassis flavors, youthful tannins and good juicy lift on the long finish. Plenty ripe but not at all heavy. Delivers a superb blend of richness and energy.