I don’t think that anyone gets more out of Cabernet Sauvignon than Paul Hobbs seems to do from the Carneros region. Boasts sweet notes of black and red currants, loamy soil scents, hints of white chocolate and pepper, and some subtle herbs in a medium to full-bodied, elegant, yet concentrated style. The tannins are silky, and this wine will drink well young yet age nicely for 12-15 years.
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
Vol. 150
12/23/2003
Score: 92-95 (100 possible)
The three cuvees of 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon I tasted were also awesome.
The black/purple-colored 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Hyde Vineyard (290 cases) is similar to the 2001, but my instincts suggest the fruit is slightly sweeter, the tannin more elevated, and the alcohol a touch higher. This big, gigantic Cabernet needs time to settle down, but there is unlimited potential with this baby. It should keep for 15-20 years.
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
Vol. 157
2/28/2005
Score: 90 (100 possible)
The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Hyde Vineyard (246 cases) boasts sweet notes of black and red currants, loamy soil scents, hints of white chocolate and pepper, and some subtle herbs in a medium to full-bodied, elegant, yet concentrated style. The tannins are silky, and this wine will drink well young yet age nicely for 12-15 years.
International Wine Cellar
Stephen Tanzer
Vol. 120
5/2005
Score: 90 (+?) (100 possible)
Good deep ruby-red. Cassis, cracked pepper, bitter chocolate, tobacco and menthol on the nose. Concentrated, dense and sweet, with intriguing, Bordeaux-like notes of plum, currant, tobacco, minerals and lead pencil, and well-integrated acidity. Like the Napa cabernet, this is a rather masculine style of wine, with a cool, leafy aspect. The wine's firm tannins call for at least a few years of additional bottle aging.
California Grapevine
Vol. 31, no. 3
6/2005
Score: 92 (100 possible)
Medium-dark ruby color with purplish tinges; attractive, forward, plummy, youthful, cassis and blackberry fruit aroma with notes of graphite and lavender and overtones of creamy oak; fully body; big, rich, concentrated, highly extracted, plush, plummy, dark currant and very ripe blackberry fruit flavors with overtones of vanilla and a velvety mouth feel; full tannin; slightly harsh on the finish; lingering aftertaste. Approachable now with its forward rich fruit that developed with airing in the glass, though deserving another fiver years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended.
Wine Spectator
James Laube
10/15/2005
Score: 89 (100 possible)
Firm and concentrated, with good intensity to the ripe currant, black cherry and wild berry flavors. Holds its focus on the finish, where the flavors linger and reveal extra elements of complexity. Best from 2006 through 2012. 244 cases made.
