Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon "Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard" 2019
(St. Helena, Napa Valley, California) - [JD 100] [DM 97] [JS 97] [VM 96] [WA 95] [WS 95]

About the winery:

In 1991, pioneering winemaker Paul Hobbs established his namesake winery in Sebastopol, California. The winery exemplifies his vision and dedication to sustainability and his on-going quest to refine the art of winemaking with minimal intervention, yet meticulous care.

The Estate: Originally planted in 1858 by pioneering Napa vintner Dr. George Belden Crane, this site has been farmed by renowned grape grower Andy Beckstoffer since 1997. Combining gravelly loam soils with a prime location in St. Helena, the vineyard yields cabernet sauvignon with opulent fruit, polished tannins, and inimitable finesse.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Ratings & Reviews:

100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"Needing plenty of air to show at its best, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is a sensational, gorgeous Napa Valley Cabernet that delivers the goods like only this region can. Pure Cabernet magic on the nose, with deep blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, and a kiss of spring flowers as well as a beautiful Pessac-Leognan-like scorched earth character, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It's one of those wines that builds incrementally on the palate and it's only after the second or third sip that you realize how special this wine is. It also offers that rare mix of power and elegance that's the hallmark of all great wines. It needs a couple hours in the decanter if drinking any time soon. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to Paul Hobbs for an incredible Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon." (May 2022)

97 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A 100% Cabernet from this noted St Helena site that gets plenty of sunshine and warmth. Fresh and inviting aromas of opulent black fruit, sun-scorched wild herbs, iron shaving and flashy oak spices. Broad and mouthfilling blackberry, blueberry compote, crème de cassis, and red currants threaded by tannins that build through a pretty herbs and espresso finish. Juicy acidity helps keep everything light and in balance." (Jun 2022)

97 Points - James Suckling:
“Blackberries, hazelnuts, blackcurrants and flowers. Crushed stones, too. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins that give a lovely, creamy texture and just the right level of austerity. Hints of citrus, too. Ethereal and weightless. Beautiful and drinkable now, but will age beautifully.” - James Suckling (Feb 2022)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane is bright and vibrant, with terrific fruit presence and tons of raciness. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, mint and sweet spice give this effusive, silky Cabernet tons of immediacy and charm. The 2019 is the most accessible of the single-vineyard Cabernets." - Antono Galloni (Jan 2022)

95 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard offers up alluring notes of red raspberries and cherries, accented by hints of baking spices, mocha and dried herbs. There's even a slightly dusty, savory note, like wind-blown or rain-splashed earth on fresh-picked fruit, and a subtle tinge of pencil shavings. Full-bodied yet fresh, with a supple feel and fine-grained tannins, this is already approachable, yet it finishes with enough length and softly dusty tannins to think it will still be drinking well in 2040. 898 cases made." - Joe Czerwinski (May 2022)

95 Points - Wine Spectatorr:
"A rich, polished style, with waves of warm cassis and plum sauce underscored by licorice root and warm earth. Shows a swath of dark tobacco and warm earth on the finish, which works beautifully with the fruit. Best from 2024 through 2038. 898 cases made." - James Molesworth (Oct 2022)