Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard starts off with soft-spoken scents of ripe red and black plums, cassis, black raspberries and mulberries, followed by gentle wafts of cedar and pencil lead and finally bursting out with Sichuan pepper and hoisin notes. The medium to full-bodied palate is opulent, plushly textured and brimming with spicy red and blackberry layers, going beautifully perfumed on the long finish. RP
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
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. RP
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Of the three Beckstoffer Vineyards, it’s pretty much a joyride as to which one readers may prefer. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (readers may remember the 2002 merited a 100-point score) has a beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit note, a hint of incense, charcoal, an opaque purple color, full-bodied opulence and again that first-growth quality, richness, complexity and intensity. I’m not sure this is as compelling as the 2002, but it’s not far away. This is a magnificent, multi-dimensional, skyscraper-like Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15-20 years. RP
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard opens with seducing notes of crushed black currants, blueberry compote and dried mulberries with hints of spice cake, sandalwood, dried roses and star anise plus a touch of smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, ripe and densely packed, the opulent fruit is superbly framed by velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with lingering spice layers. RP
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard slides seductively out of the glass with the most gorgeous notions of Chinese five spice, plum preserves, crème de cassis and potpourri plus hints of oolong tea, spearmint and cedar chest. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, the generously spiced black fruit preserves, the firm, plush frame and the finish are simply epic. RP
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Deep purple-black in color, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant plum preserves, Christmas cake and chocolate-covered cherries notes, followed by hints of potpourri, Chinese five spice, incense and dried mint. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shows a more decadent side to this vintage, packed with exotic spices and black fruit preserves, with a plush texture and refreshing lift to the finish. RP