Paul Hobbs Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard 2016 750ml

This is fantastic with so much blue fruit, oyster shell, violet and dark berries on the nose. Full-bodied, integrated and very fine. Such polish. Amazing depth and length. Superb.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard opens with provocative notions of crushed rocks, fertile loam and truffles with a core of warm cassis, blackberry pie and wild blueberries with touches of camphor and cloves. Medium to full-bodied and built like a brick house, it packs in the muscular fruit layers with compelling red fruit sparks, framed by firm, grainy tannins and finishing very long and very earthy. 402 cases produced.

All of the Paul Hobbs Napa Valley wines are tremendous in 2016, but the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard may very well be the best of the bunch. Vertical in feel, with explosive energy, the Piedras dazzles from the very first taste. Graphite, black cherry, menthol and crushed rocks are some of the many aromas and flavors that open up in the glass, but it is the wine’s pure, driving energy and overall focus that leave the strongest impression. The 2016 is simply a great expression of this St. Helena site. There’s nothing else to say.

A solid, fruit-driven style, with plum, cassis and boysenberry notes, backed by lightly brambly grip and an enticing licorice streak. The finish shows some toasty oomph, but the fruit wins out easily. Very well-poised and should cellar nicely. Best from 2020 through 2032. 402 cases made. (James Molesworth)