I'm slowy becoming a California Cabernet lover. It's tough to love California Cabs though - they're pricey for the names. And the no-names are unpredictable (yes, I know, that's what ratings and reviews are for). My friends at The Wine House in Manlius provided an opportunity to pre-order several 2007 California Cabs earlier this year, and they're in. They know my tastes in wine, so it helps to have them recommend the ones they think I'll like, with characteristics I appreciate (fruit, and plenty of it, in a great structure), without the things I hate (bitterness, or any green vegetal components). The Paul Hobbs Cabernet from Napa Valley is bang on perfect!
Paul Hobbs' website says this wine has fruit from four vineyards, (Beckstoffer To Kalon, Hyde, Stagecoach and Beckstoffer Dr. Crane). I've had few wines with Stagecoach fruit, and Beckstoffer fruit, but never a blend. Nicely done. The wine is a bright bold purple. The nose is subtle but complex. Fruit, including dark fruits like blackberries and cassis, minerality, and floral components are apparent. On first taste it's intense, concentrated red and black fruit at the tip of the tongue, moving to the mid-palate it's expansive full bodied, more fruit, and then the structure appears - sweet tannins. Balanced acidity. Mouthwatering finish that goes on for a minute or more. Smooth from front to back. Ready to drink right now, minimal decant might be worth it, but it's excellent immediately. About $80 to $85 here in New York.
Paul Hobbs winemaker notes are at http://www.paulhobbswinery.com/wine/wine/181/
CellarTracker at http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=678095
