Last Friday we finished the week strong by watching the Masters while tasting through a lineup of Paul Hobbs’ Cabernets, generously hosted by our dear somm friend from Houston, Advanced Sommelier and Paul Hobbs ambassador James Watkins. James and our very own Master Sommelier candidate, Ryan Tedder, poured a stunning lineup of Paul Hobbs finest single vineyard Cabs from the ripe and rich 2012 vintage as well as Paul Hobbs’ Argentinian projects- Bramare Cabernets and Cobos Volturno Cab Blend and what an exciting party it quickly became!
While the 2013 Paul Hobbs Napa Cab is a complete stunner to keep around the house for less than $100, there were many highlights from the 2012 single vineyard range to praise! The crowd pleaser was the 2012 Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cab (98RP- $225/btl)- had the most seductive texture and was loaded with plush black fruit and mouthcoating layers of spice.
The 2012 Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet (95RP- $275/btl) was the winner winner chicken dinner!! Powerfully structured, generous ripe fruit with multidimensional layers that lead to a striking long finish. The notes on this wine just never end. This beauty has a stunning life ahead of it!
The 2012 Beckstoffer To Kalon Cab (97RP- $375/btl) stole the show with its impressive depth, gorgeous rich fruit and tremendous power. “Undeniably sexy, voluptuous Cabernet” indeed!
New to the Paul Hobbs lineup was the 2012 Paul Hobbs Nathan Coombs Estate Cabernet (94V- $275/btl)- was a hit with the crowd! Beautifully structured with more dark minerals of graphite and rich spice, the Nathan Coombs was impressive now and will continue to shine for decades to come. What a stunning first impression for the vineyard!
James also shared with us the Argentinian Cabernets by Paul Hobbs- 2013 Bramare Lujan de Cuyo and Marchiori Vineyard Cabernets and the powerhouse Cab blend Cobos Volturno!
The 2013 Bramare Lujan de Cuyo Cab ($39.95/btl) is an impressive bang for the buck and its 2013 Marchiori Vineyard Cab delivers so much more for just a few more bucks at $69.95/btl. Black and red currant, blackberry and mocha race up and down the palate with layers of wild herbs and lovely spice seamlessly gliding within.
The 2013 Vina Cobos, Cobos Volturno Cabernet Blend ($225/btl) offered a much more powerful, serious showing with dense spice, licorice, leather, dark cocoa and concentrated black and purple berry fruit.
