2003
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard St. Helena, Napa Valley
Winemaker's Notes
Deep, rich, blue-black in color, our inaugural release from this historic vineyard is an exquisite, round, mouth-filling cabernet sauvignon. Despite its weight and intensity, the nose and palate are open and generous, and the fruit and oak well-integrated. Scented with plum and black cherry it offers up an abundance of ripe plum, cherry and holiday spice on the palate, balanced with toasty coffee and caramel. Full-bodied and plush, it finishes long with notes of vanilla and black pepper and ripe, polished tannins.
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Andy Beckstoffer
Vineyard
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard
Appellation
St. Helena, Napa Valley
Clones
4 & 337
Vineyard Age
8 years
Site
Gravelly, alluvial soils; Cortina and Bale loam
Yield
3.4 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
September 27, 2003
Harvest Brix
25.8°
Growing Season
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 small, closed-top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
• 5 to 7 day cold soak, 28 to 36 days total maceration
• Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels ; 4 months to completion
• Aged 21 months in Taransaud, Seguin moreau and Radoux French oak barrels; 100% new
• Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; Bottled July 2005
