Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
Oakville, Napa Valley
Reviews
The Wine Advocate
2/28/2005
Score: 99 (100 possible)
Is one of the greatest young Cabernets I have tasted from California. Believe it or not, it reminds me of the way the 1986 Mouton-Rothschild tasted at age two or three. It is a classic from the tenderloin of Napa Valley - the Oakville Corridor. This 650-case cuvee has a dense purple color to the rim and an extraordinary nose of cedar, licorice, spice box, and gobs of cream de cassis liqueur-like notes. The wine has tremendous opulence, massive body, but unbelievable intensity, balance, and overall harmony. There is considerable tannin and acidity that offers vibrancy and delineation, but all this is seamlessly integrated into this modern-day classic. This is a fabulous wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. This wine requires patience.
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
Vol. 150
12/23/2003
Score: 98+ (100 possible)
The Cabernet Sauvignons from Paul Hobbs are brilliant in both 2001 and 2002.
A compelling, potentially legendary effort, there are 896 cases of the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard To Kalon. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a classic Cabernet nose of tobacco smoke, crème de cassis, licorice, and lead pencil. It boasts massive body, great purity, loads of intensity as well as concentration, and a nectar-like unctousity on the mid-palate and finish. This tannic, unevolved baby tastes like a California version of a Paulliac first-growth. It's that special! Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.
Quarterly Review of Wines
Summer 2005
Score: 5 stars (5 possible)
“Best of the Best: Cabernet Sauvignon”
Given 5 stars. Judged from a blind tasting of 90 wines to be one of the “wines of such remarkable character and quality as to be in a class by themselves.”
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
Vol. 150
12/23/2003
Score: 96-100 (100 possible)
A potentially perfect offering, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard To-Kalon reveals the same inky/purple color as the 2001, as well as a classic perfume of crème de cassis intermixed with cedar, licorice, and spice box. Boasting nearly immortal levels of concentration and intensity, it is an amazing tour de force in winemaking, proof of just how extraordinary this vineyard site can be. It will require 5-8 years of cellaring, and should last for 25+ years. A modern day Napa legend in the making.
International Wine Cellar
Stephen Tanzer
Vol. 120
5/2005
Score: 93 (100 possible)
Good saturated ruby. Superripe aromas of cassis, black raspberry, bitter chocolate and licorice; less herbal than this producer's other cabernets from this vintage. A fine-grained fruit bomb, with captivating sweetness. This really expands on the back half yet dances on the palate. The lush tannins reach the incisors.
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
Vol. 157
2/2005
Score: 99 (100 possible)
Is one of the greatest young Cabernets I have tasted from California. Believe it or not, it reminds me of the way the 1986 Mouton-Rothschild tasted at age two or three. It is a classic from the tenderloin of Napa Valley - the Oakville Corridor. This 650-case cuvee has a dense purple color to the rim and an extraordinary nose of cedar, licorice, spice box, and gobs of cream de cassis liqueur-like notes. The wine has tremendous opulence, massive body, but unbelievable intensity, balance, and overall harmony. There is considerable tannin and acidity that offers vibrancy and delineation, but all this is seamlessly integrated into this modern-day classic. This is a fabulous wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. This wine requires patience.
Wine Spectator Insider
James Laube
9/21/2005
Score: 94 (100 possible)
Fantastic aromas of black cherry, blackberry, currant, violets, mineral and light toasty oak, it coats the palate with a rich, dense, multifaceted array of flavors.
The tannins are bold and concentrated too, though ripe. A potent young stallion of a Cabernet, with an exotic spicy finish. Best from 2007 through 2014. -- J.L.
