Wine reviews
Paul Hobbs has exploited the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard as well as anybody (with the possible exception of the Schraders), and his 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is more narrowly framed than usual, but it remains a powerful, impressive 2011. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by copious aromas of cassis, licorice, Christmas fruitcake, earth and spice. With the finest texture and sweetness of all the 2011 Hobbs cuvees, it is expansive, rich and surprisingly strong as well as long. Enjoy this beauty over the next 10-15 years. Looking at several 2012 barrel samples reinforces the true greatness of this vintage in Napa Valley. The first-growth Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in the hands of Paul Hobbs can be magical and I had high expectations for the 2012 version. RP
All of the classic notes of this great site come through in the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. The brisk, saline-infused tannins of the vintage support a core of deeply expressive dark fruit and exotic spices in this layered, beautifully articulated wine. Paul Hobbs’s To Kalon is one of the most powerful 2011s I have tasted so far. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. (Not yet released) One of the greatest attributes of the Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignons is their ability to deliver incredible pleasure throughout their entire lives. I tasted a wide range of wines this year with Paul Hobbs and winemaker Megan Baccitich, including several past vintages of the flagship To Kalon, which confirmed that view. In particular, the 2001 and 2002 To Kalon Cabernets remain stunning, and the straight 1999 Napa Valley Cabernet was equally impressive. -AG