Wine reviews
The single vineyard offerings include the elegant 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, an impressive wine exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, creamy richness, lots of crème de cassis, licorice and forest floor, a complete palate from the attack to the finish with no holes, vegetal characteristics or astringency. While less powerful than this cuvee can be in a great vintage, it still delivers the goods. Drink it over the next decade. 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.
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is fascinating to follow in the glass. Layers of black fruit, asphalt, graphite and tar come together nicely. The 2011 is a decidedly mid-weight wine, but it shows plenty of character, not to mention terrific overall balance. The energetic, tense finish is pure Las Piedras. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. (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.