2013 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Hobbs has hit the bull's-eye with his selection of 2013 Cabernet Sauvignons. There are 5,800+ cases of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, which has some Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot in the blend. About 40% of this comes from their estate vineyard in Coombsville. This is just beautiful, an earthy, graphite-laden, crème de cassis-scented wine with plenty of depth, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, opulent finish. This wine hasn't been priced yet, but this is a beauty, and really over-delivers for a generic Napa cuvée. Drink it over the next 10+ years.

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and explosive, with layers of dark blue and black fruit, graphite, smoke and licorice. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2013 Napa Cabernet is going to need time to settle down. This is a terrific showing. Lavender, mint and smoke add the final shades of nuance. Today, the 2013 is powerful, unctuous and structured, all at the same time. Drops of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot round out the blend.