Paul Hobbs
About Paul Hobbs
The name Paul Hobbs has become synonymous with Napa Valley "cult" wine. A legend in his own time, he has made enormous contributions to fine wine around the world. Paul Hobbs himself was something of prodigious agricultural talent, growing up on an orchard where his green-fingered tendencies were nurtured by his father. Initially studying chemistry at university, Hobbs proceeded to venture West to gain a Master's degree in Viticulture and Enology in California - the rest is history.
With a solid academic background coupled with a natural feel for the cultivation of vines thanks to his formative years, Hobbs' talents were soon recognised by the legendary Robert Mondavi, and he quickly rose to become his most trusted colleague - Paul Hobbs was instrumental in the creation of Opus One.
The time came, as is only fitting for such a winemaker, for Hobbs to produce his wines, his way, under his own label in 2003. Miniscule production and a relentless pursuit of excellence above all else are the markers of such a producer - Paul Hobbs certainly conforms to these.
Paul Hobbs Wines
Hobbs produces a range of powerful yet classical Cabernet Sauvignon, and a hauntingly elegant Pinot Noir. He has consistently pioneered the Napa Valley trend of moving away from the super-ripe, extracted style of wines which were dubbed "fruit bombs" by unenthusiastic critics, to low intervention expressions of time, place and of course beautiful terroir.
He also consults with – and making – wine at dozens of top estates from Cahors to Napa to Argentina. His latest project, Viña Cobos, is one of the most exciting in Argentina.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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California | 12 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£545.05 |
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Vinous (96)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is such a gorgeous and highly representative wine off this site. Crushed rocks, graphite, menthol, crème de cassis and spice are so typical of this site. At this stage, the Piedras does not have the sheer appeal or immediacy of the Crane, but then again, that is Piedras. All of this fruit is Clone 4, which in this rugged site yields very small berries with plenty of concentration. And that is exactly what comes through in this majestic Cabernet. |
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California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,153.09 |
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Wine Advocate (98+)Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard starts off with soft-spoken scents of ripe red and black plums, cassis, black raspberries and mulberries, followed by gentle wafts of cedar and pencil lead and finally bursting out with Sichuan pepper and hoisin notes. The medium to full-bodied palate is opulent, plushly textured and brimming with spicy red and blackberry layers, going beautifully perfumed on the long finish. Paul Hobbs mentioned that he backed off on the new oak this year, aging the wine in 85% new French oak (as opposed to 100%). I love this more elegant, nuanced expression a lot. 688 cases were made. |
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California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,636.18 |
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Wine Advocate (98+)Very deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate slowly reveals enticing notions of fresh blackberries, wild blueberries and black raspberries with emerging suggestions of cassis, tilled earth, tar and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, the palate delivers firm, beautifully ripe tannins and tons of tightly wound, muscular black fruits with a whole myriad of savory accents and great tension, finishing with jaw-dropping purity and length. Consider broaching this sleeping giant in 4-5 years and drink it over the next 25 years+. |
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California | 8 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£192.25 |
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Vinous (95)The 2018 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard is quite floral and perfumed in this vintage. Jasmine, white pepper, mint and lemon peel give the 2018 a brilliant aromatic upper register. In most vintages the Richard Dinner Chardonnay is distinguished by more of a phenolic character, but the 2018 is all about lift and energy. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
California | 12 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£451.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is such a gorgeous and highly representative wine off this site. Crushed rocks, graphite, menthol, crème de cassis and spice are so typical of this site. At this stage, the Piedras does not have the sheer appeal or immediacy of the Crane, but then again, that is Piedras. All of this fruit is Clone 4, which in this rugged site yields very small berries with plenty of concentration. And that is exactly what comes through in this majestic Cabernet. |
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|
California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£1,775.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard starts off with soft-spoken scents of ripe red and black plums, cassis, black raspberries and mulberries, followed by gentle wafts of cedar and pencil lead and finally bursting out with Sichuan pepper and hoisin notes. The medium to full-bodied palate is opulent, plushly textured and brimming with spicy red and blackberry layers, going beautifully perfumed on the long finish. Paul Hobbs mentioned that he backed off on the new oak this year, aging the wine in 85% new French oak (as opposed to 100%). I love this more elegant, nuanced expression a lot. 688 cases were made. |
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|
California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£1,325.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)Very deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate slowly reveals enticing notions of fresh blackberries, wild blueberries and black raspberries with emerging suggestions of cassis, tilled earth, tar and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, the palate delivers firm, beautifully ripe tannins and tons of tightly wound, muscular black fruits with a whole myriad of savory accents and great tension, finishing with jaw-dropping purity and length. Consider broaching this sleeping giant in 4-5 years and drink it over the next 25 years+. |
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|
California | 8 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£157.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2018 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard is quite floral and perfumed in this vintage. Jasmine, white pepper, mint and lemon peel give the 2018 a brilliant aromatic upper register. In most vintages the Richard Dinner Chardonnay is distinguished by more of a phenolic character, but the 2018 is all about lift and energy. |