Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Readers looking for a potentially perfect effort (a la the 2002) should get in line now for some of the 710 cases of the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard. This utterly awesome Cabernet Sauvignon reveals classic, pure creme de cassis notes interwoven with subtle smoke, truffle, licorice, cedar, and spice aromas. Full-bodied with sweet tannin, good acidity (which provides laser-like focus), and a substantial, broad, savory style, the wine cascades over the palate with extraordinary richness, but neither heaviness nor astringency. From one of Napa’s most extraordinary vineyards, this is compelling Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest. It will drink easily for 30+ years.
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
From the amazing Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard, Hobbs’ 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is a slightly more opulent, broader, savory effort that comes close to the perfect 2002. The 2007 has more noticeable tannin than the 2002 did at the same stage as well as more obvious minerality, but notes of graphite, black currant liqueur, licorice, cedar, and spice box are found in this full-bodied, multidimensional, fabulously concentrated wine. It was aged in 100% new Taransaud French oak barrels. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following three decades.
This is a brilliant portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignons from Paul Hobbs, one of the wine world’s top consultants whose own California projects are augmented by his superb work in Argentina. Paul Hobbs’ Syrahs, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs from outside of Napa will be reviewed in the next issue.
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