Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

One of the all-time greatest collectors bottles I’ve been able to offer up. A 100-pointer, don’t miss.

Pioneering winemaker Paul Hobbs established his namesake winery in 1991 with the vision and dedication to sustainably craft wines with minimal intervention and meticulous care to capture the purist concept of place. These are super famous wines that showcase the individuality of new and historical sites in Napa Valley and Sonoma County and they have always been big hits with the Nicholas Wines crowd.

Of course these incredibly cellar-worthy collectors items are expensive, but Paul Hobbs explained to Parker’s Wine Advocate exactly why that is, “Because I got in early,” Hobbs said, “most of what we get is the heart of Andy’s properties—at least two rows from the boundaries and avenues. We are the most expensive because of that.”

Grown on the west side of St. Helena, this distinctive Cabernet shows off characteristics of the uber-famous vineyard from which it was plucked from with striking, deep dark fruit and sophisticated aromas of cacao bean, crème de cassis, and sweet tobacco on the nose. Napa pioneer Dr. George Belden Crane originally planted Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard in 1858. Ever since the 1990’s it’s been considered by most to be one of the very best Cabernet vineyard sites in the world.

“Needing plenty of air to show at its best, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is a sensational, gorgeous Napa Valley Cabernet that delivers the goods like only this region can. Pure Cabernet magic on the nose, with deep blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, and a kiss of spring flowers as well as a beautiful Pessac-Leognan-like scorched earth character, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It’s one of those wines that builds incrementally on the palate and it’s only after the second or third sip that you realize how special this wine is. It also offers that rare mix of power and elegance that’s the hallmark of all great wines. It needs a couple of hours in the decanter if drinking any time soon. Hats off to Paul Hobbs for an incredible Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.”