2018 Paul Hobbs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a gorgeous, inviting wine, but it is also going to need a few years in bottle to shed some of its formidable tannins. Black cherry, plum, graphite, pencil shavings, crème de cassis and menthol open up in the glass, but only with great reluctance. Patience will be the key here." 

"A solid cabernet with currants and berries, blue fruit and lavender. Medium-to full-bodied, solid and beautiful. Creamy and very long. Give it a year or so. Try after 2021." 

"Well-built, with the vintage's warm and forward plum and blackberry preserve profile leading the way, while lush melted licorice and sweet spice accents fill in on the finish. A purely fruit-driven version, but the balance is there. Drink now through 2029. 4,330 cases made." 

"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley comes strolling out of the glass with easy-breezy notions of Black Forest cake, blackberry pie, cardamom and damp soil plus hints of pencil shavings and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate gives mouth-coating black fruits with plenty of bright, herbal sparks and a grainy texture, finishing long and savory. 4,330 cases were made."