Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville 2022
(Napa Valley, California) - [JS 96] [DM 94] [WA 93]

Notes from the Winemaker:
A striking garnet hue sets the stage for blackberry and huckleberry aromas, accented by graphite and tobacco leaf. Vibrant flavors of cherry, cassis, and dried cranberry integrate seamlessly with hints of dried herbs and star anise. Polished tannins create a broad, textured palate, while oyster shell minerality lends a sophisticated, savory edge. The finish is long and lingering, balancing elegance with youthful energy.

Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Growing Season:
The ‘22 growing season presented a few challenges—especially down the home stretch—reminding us that adversity often breeds surprising insights and learnings that an otherwise relatively benign path cannot. The ’22 vintage showcases the resilience of diligently farmed vineyards. Therein lies the silver lining. Winter and early spring brought little rain and mild temperatures across Napa and Sonoma Counties leading to an early bud break, and a strong, well-defined bloom. During the first week of June, a surprise deluge caused moderate berry shatter (i.e., coulure (fr.) a failure of grapes to develop after flowering) in certain vineyards. That, combined with dry soils, kept yields low and berries small, a promising setup for concentrated color and flavors. A temperate summer helped produce uniform ripening and our reliably cool nights, with diurnal dips into the 50s, kept acidity levels high and bright. Harvest commenced on August 22—our earliest harvest on record—followed swiftly by a final heat spell in early September with temperatures peaking at 117°F at some locations. Early harvests tend to be compressed, and the heat accelerated its pace. Despite the travails, however, the wines are deeply flavored, layered, and complex, with superb balance and energy.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - James Suckling:
"A delicious, layered, chocolate- and cherry-scented wine that entices you from the first sniff and pulls you through a rich palate and a lingering finish. So luscious, balanced, vivid and deep, showing the silky tannins and cool fruit notes of this southern Napa district. Contains 6% petit verdot, 2% cabernet franc and 4% merlot. Aged in 53% new French oak. Drinkable now, but best from 2030." - JS (Jan 2025)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
"This Cabernet Sauvignon, with 2% Cabernet Franc, was aged for 20 months in 53% new French oak barrels. In 2022, savoury spices abound in this red- and black-fruited wine from Paul Hobbs's Coombsville estate. Leather, violets, and loamy earth mingle with vibrant currant fruit. Medium-bodied with crunchy tannins, it unfolds through notes of cool, wet slate, sagebrush, and underbrush, leading to a refined and expressive finish. - Jonathan Cristaldi (Feb 2025)

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville includes 6% Petit Verdot—"the most PV I've ever used," said Paul Hobbs—and 3% each Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Aged in 50% new French oak, the nose easily blends black cherries and cassis with mere hints of cedar and vanilla. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied and broad-shouldered but supple. Loaded with dark fruit, it's excellent and a reasonable value in the context of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2025-2040."

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coombsville) is a terrific wine in this vintage. It shows more forward fruit and less Coombsville savoriness than most years, but that is to be expected in 2022. Black cherry, plum, graphite, leather and spice are front and center. Clean mineral notes appear to frame the finish. The 2022 includes 7% Petit Verdot, which lends freshness. (Drink between 2026-2037)" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2024)