2019 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Dr. Crane is another outstanding single-vineyard rendition from Paul Hobbs. It is close to another perfect wine in an extraordinary line-up of single vineyard cuvées from this estate. There is a lovely bloody-iodine-ferric note that gives the wine a savoury, earth-driven character, backed up by pure cassis fruit that is wondrously rich on the mid-palate. The fine, detailed tannins add depth, and the integration is faultless. The length and breadth of the wine are mind-blowing, yet the wine never loses its measured composure. The finish is a complex wash of dried cigar, blackberry, cassis and fine green herbal notes.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Needing plenty of air to show at its best, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is a sensational, gorgeous Napa Valley Cabernet that delivers the goods like only this region can. Pure Cabernet magic on the nose, with deep blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, and a kiss of spring flowers as well as a beautiful Pessac-Leognan-like scorched earth character, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It's one of those wines that builds incrementally on the palate and it's only after the second or third sip that you realize how special this wine is. It also offers that rare mix of power and elegance that's the hallmark of all great wines. It needs a couple hours in the decanter if drinking any time soon. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to Paul Hobbs for an incredible Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard offers up alluring notes of red raspberries and cherries, accented by hints of baking spices, mocha and dried herbs. There's even a slightly dusty, savory note, like wind-blown or rain-splashed earth on fresh-picked fruit, and a subtle tinge of pencil shavings. Full-bodied yet fresh, with a supple feel and fine-grained tannins, this is already approachable, yet it finishes with enough length and softly dusty tannins to think it will still be drinking well in 2040. 898 cases made.
Needing plenty of air to show at its best, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is a sensational, gorgeous Napa Valley Cabernet that delivers the goods like only this region can. Pure Cabernet magic on the nose, with deep blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, and a kiss of spring flowers as well as a beautiful Pessac-Leognan-like scorched earth character, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It's one of those wines that builds incrementally on the palate and it's only after the second or third sip that you realize how special this wine is. It also offers that rare mix of power and elegance that's the hallmark of all great wines. It needs a couple hours in the decanter if drinking any time soon. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to Paul Hobbs for an incredible Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.