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.
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Vinous (95)
A rich, unctuous wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard possesses magnificent richness and depth. Today, the 2012 is quite open and opulent, in the classic style for the year. Sweet red cherry, plum, spice, mocha and new leather are all pushed forward in a sexy, voluptuous wine to drink over the next 10-15 years. This is a classic 2012 with plenty of near and medium term appeal.Inc. VAT£509.05 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Of the three Beckstoffer Vineyards, it’s pretty much a joyride as to which one readers may prefer. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (readers may remember the 2002 merited a 100-point score) has a beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit note, a hint of incense, charcoal, an opaque purple color, full-bodied opulence and again that first-growth quality, richness, complexity and intensity. I’m not sure this is as compelling as the 2002, but it’s not far away. This is a magnificent, multi-dimensional, skyscraper-like Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15-20 years.Inc. VAT£773.17 -
Vinous (93)
The 2012 Chardonnay Cuvée Agustina Richard Dinner Vineyard emerges from a single block on the eastern side of the property where the soils are a bit poorer. Butter, tropical fruit, orange blossom and apricot pit add texture to a voluptuous, racy Chardonnay supported by a sense of phenolic richness and structure that is impossible to miss.Inc. VAT£173.05 -
Vinous (93)
The 2012 Chardonnay Cuvée Agustina Richard Dinner Vineyard emerges from a single block on the eastern side of the property where the soils are a bit poorer. Butter, tropical fruit, orange blossom and apricot pit add texture to a voluptuous, racy Chardonnay supported by a sense of phenolic richness and structure that is impossible to miss.Inc. VAT£627.89
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Vinous (95)
A rich, unctuous wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard possesses magnificent richness and depth. Today, the 2012 is quite open and opulent, in the classic style for the year. Sweet red cherry, plum, spice, mocha and new leather are all pushed forward in a sexy, voluptuous wine to drink over the next 10-15 years. This is a classic 2012 with plenty of near and medium term appeal.In Bond£421.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Of the three Beckstoffer Vineyards, it’s pretty much a joyride as to which one readers may prefer. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (readers may remember the 2002 merited a 100-point score) has a beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit note, a hint of incense, charcoal, an opaque purple color, full-bodied opulence and again that first-growth quality, richness, complexity and intensity. I’m not sure this is as compelling as the 2002, but it’s not far away. This is a magnificent, multi-dimensional, skyscraper-like Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15-20 years.In Bond£641.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2012 Chardonnay Cuvée Agustina Richard Dinner Vineyard emerges from a single block on the eastern side of the property where the soils are a bit poorer. Butter, tropical fruit, orange blossom and apricot pit add texture to a voluptuous, racy Chardonnay supported by a sense of phenolic richness and structure that is impossible to miss.In Bond£141.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2012 Chardonnay Cuvée Agustina Richard Dinner Vineyard emerges from a single block on the eastern side of the property where the soils are a bit poorer. Butter, tropical fruit, orange blossom and apricot pit add texture to a voluptuous, racy Chardonnay supported by a sense of phenolic richness and structure that is impossible to miss.In Bond£504.00