2003
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Hyde Vineyard Carneros, Napa Valley
Winemaker's Notes
This cooler-climate vineyard typically requires the longest "hang time" of all our vineyard sources in order to full ripen. The wine we create from it has always expressed a duality of power and finesse – an elegant and well structured wine with tremendous aging potential.
This vintage possesses a dense black/purple inkiness. The nose displays deep, seductive aromas of jammy, ripe wild blueberries and huckleberries. Focused and concentrated black fruit flavors are interwoven with subtle spice and earth notes. Its time-honored polished and smooth tannins are sweet and full-bodied and pursued by a sublimely persistent and poised finish. Aged 21 months in French oak, 82% new.
The growing season was comprised of cool spring weather followed by moderate temperatures throughout summer. Consistent work in the vineyard was required to maximize sun exposure and encourage full flavor development in the fruit. Much needed hot weather in mid-September secured an excellent harvest.
Winemaking
• Hand-harvested grapes • Fermented in 5-ton closed-top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts • 5-day cold soak, 32 days total maceration • Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels; 4 months to completion • Aged 21 months French oak barrels; 82% new • Varietal composition: 100% cabernet sauvignon • Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; Bottled July 2005
