Drank the last two bottles I still had from this vintage. Great time to drink because I don’t think this wine will get much better. 1 hour decant and the wine was in a perfect spot. Fruit still evident and long finish. Great Paul Hobbs Cab
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Was delicious. Forgot to review it while drinking but it aged nicely and had a very delicious long finish. It was the favorite amongst friends we had over for dinner.
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Nose is still closed but you can smell notes of cassis, spices, toast, pencil lead, black currant and berry. Medium+ acidity and high tannin. Tannin is not harsh. Decanted for 2 hours. On the palate is little sweet, typical of US wine.
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On my own tonight so that means leftovers and a focus on minimal effort for dinner. Decided to pull a Cab that would be good on its own and scored with the 2014 Paul Hobbs Cabernet. This isn’t their Beckstoffer cuvée but wow was it good. Probably the most pure expression of creme de cassis on the nose that I’ve experienced in a long time. Graphite, cedar, licorice, wet slate and a nice black tea note on the palate that blends into a long, elegant, complex finish. The wine really evolved in the decanter over a few hours unencumbered by spousal pours. Channeling George Carlin when he said I’ve never had a 10 but I’ve had 5 twos… I’d rather have 7 of these bottles than one bottle of Beckstoffer. Great QPR considering. -DD96
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Aromas of cedar, blackberries and violets. Beautifully balanced with flavors of black fruit, dark chocolate and red cherries. Firm tannins and a 15-second finish complete with coffee beans, raspberry and a tasty minerality.
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QPR can be questioned, but this is a stupid good cuvée that generally rocks year in and out. Medium amount of sediment, but it’s everything you’re looking for when you buy Hobbs—and it’s a fraction of the cost of his estate wines. I’d call this a steal under $90, a guilty pleasure at up to $105, and a very good wine at full retail.
I’d buy it by the truckload if I could find it for $80-90, but that’s not happening through the Hobbs mailing list or local retail.
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We had friends over for dinner on our patio. We had not seen them since before New Years so we ate and drank. When the second bottle was done I reached for this one. While the other two bottles had the advantage of hours open this bottle we had to pnp. The nose was dark fruit. The palate was dark berries, mocha and hints of vanilla. The finish was moderatet to long. The next time I pick this wine I will make sure I give it a few hours to breath. I think that would improve the rating.
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Well yesterday was my birthday and some of my younger associates showed up in their SUV's and even brought their own wine glasses. They sat in the back while I sat in the garage and we set up a makeshift bar. I had about an hours notice so I opened the wine to let it breath. The nose was dark fruit. The palate was dark berries, mocha and hints of vanilla. The finish was moderatet to long. It was a nice bottle of wine and set the tone for my birthday dinner.
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Brilliant wine with Bolognese and good company, the Chandlers. I love Paul's classic Napa red style. This followed a '16 A. Rafanelli Cab that was just as delicious.
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Midium + body, lots of sediment and fairly long finish. I decanted it for half an hour and placed back into the bottle to drink 2 hours after, it was beautiful, balanced with dark notes combine with the vanilla coming from the French oak. I can drink this all day long every day...
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Very similar in style to the O’Shaunnessy we had two nights before. Great nose and finish with creamy black fruit and creme de cassis that coats the throat as it goes down. Easy drinking and smooth. This is not a wine to try to over analyze. Just drink it for what it is and enjoy! If drinking with food, make sure you have something big that can stand up to it. This is a big wine.
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Notes of black core fruit, earth, fresh black soil, chocolate, and dark spice. Medium-bodied and readily accessible, this exhibits a somewhat standard appellation profile in terms of complexity and personality. A darker profile overall (which I like), but little to speak of in the nuance department. Batting above its average QPR-wise, as its $100 price tag seems about double where it should be given its somewhat unremarkable depiction of terroir or the varietal. No huge complaints. But no “wow” factor at all for me.
Drink now.
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Tasted at the Skurnik Grand Portfolio Tasting in NYC. Poured by Paul Hobbs. Deep, dark garnet color. This is a fairly soft but still structured wine with flavors of vanilla, spice, cassis and graphite. Surprisingly easy to drink. Probably best over the next 10 years.
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Decided to give this a shot in light of James Suckling's 95 rating and the fact that a majority of the fruit is apparently derived from the Nathan Coombs vineyard - the Paul Hobbs single vineyard Nathan Coombs cab goes for over twice the price of the Napa Valley cab. Dark red and black bruit - dark cherry, currants, and blackberry. Smooth mid-palate with solid depth. Flavors of dark berries, spice, and a little graphite/mineral component. Decent finish but not overly long nor deep. Decanted for one hour and drank over another three. Improved a little with time but drinking fairly well after the decant. However, I believe this vintage could use another year or so for the fruit to soften and integrate some more which is no surprise in light of its youth. Sourced from Nathan Coombs, State Lane, and Flat Rock. 92% cab, 6% cab franc, and 2% petit verdot. In my opinion, more so in line with Parker's 90 to 92 rating.
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BT-Definite potential, better than the 13 from what we can recall. Dark ruby red. Tons of dark fruits, cassis and some black cherries. Moderate plus tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Solid acidity and long finish. A little sharp but potential is there. 92+
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12/15/2023 - Jerry 3 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted 3 hours and enjoyed with a great home cooked short rib dinner.
Fantastic nose, opened up with full blackberry tastes. Clean and lingering finish
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11/19/2023 - Garkar Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drank the last two bottles I still had from this vintage. Great time to drink because I don’t think this wine will get much better. 1 hour decant and the wine was in a perfect spot. Fruit still evident and long finish. Great Paul Hobbs Cab
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9/30/2023 - cassell04 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Was delicious. Forgot to review it while drinking but it aged nicely and had a very delicious long finish. It was the favorite amongst friends we had over for dinner.
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4/23/2023 - Bob and Joli Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is an excellent wine, used for our tasting group. Got rave reviews, with a blind tasting.
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11/28/2022 - Bob23 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very solid medium plus weight Napa cab.
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9/24/2022 - Jerry 3 Likes this wine: 93 Points
What a great year for this Paul Hobbs Cab
Sorry I only have two bottles left from 2014
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2/14/2022 - Sean Tay Likes this wine: 94 Points
Nose is still closed but you can smell notes of cassis, spices, toast, pencil lead, black currant and berry. Medium+ acidity and high tannin. Tannin is not harsh. Decanted for 2 hours. On the palate is little sweet, typical of US wine.
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12/25/2021 - Blue Jay wrote: 94 Points
Bursting with blackberries, boysenberries, mocha, and silky tannins. Wish we had a second bottle.
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10/9/2021 - Jerry 3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted 2 hours
Fruit forward / smooth tannins
Big fan of Paul Hobbs Napa Cab between 2007-2016+ vintages and each year yields a great wine
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10/8/2021 - ddamron wrote: 96 Points
On my own tonight so that means leftovers and a focus on minimal effort for dinner. Decided to pull a Cab that would be good on its own and scored with the 2014 Paul Hobbs Cabernet. This isn’t their Beckstoffer cuvée but wow was it good. Probably the most pure expression of creme de cassis on the nose that I’ve experienced in a long time. Graphite, cedar, licorice, wet slate and a nice black tea note on the palate that blends into a long, elegant, complex finish. The wine really evolved in the decanter over a few hours unencumbered by spousal pours. Channeling George Carlin when he said I’ve never had a 10 but I’ve had 5 twos… I’d rather have 7 of these bottles than one bottle of Beckstoffer. Great QPR considering. -DD96
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8/24/2021 - shaif Likes this wine: 99 Points
I usually don’t write reviews but this wine is stunningly good. Dark fruit, leather, cassis with waves of flavor and a gorgeous finish. Bravo!
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3/4/2021 - Blue Jay wrote: 90 Points
Tannins still chewy and not as fruit forward
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12/28/2020 - jcampano Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aromas of cedar, blackberries and violets. Beautifully balanced with flavors of black fruit, dark chocolate and red cherries. Firm tannins and a 15-second finish complete with coffee beans, raspberry and a tasty minerality.
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12/18/2020 - BlackCatFarms wrote:
Earthy, bold, decanted 20mins
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7/20/2020 - Immigrator wrote: 93 Points
QPR can be questioned, but this is a stupid good cuvée that generally rocks year in and out. Medium amount of sediment, but it’s everything you’re looking for when you buy Hobbs—and it’s a fraction of the cost of his estate wines. I’d call this a steal under $90, a guilty pleasure at up to $105, and a very good wine at full retail.
I’d buy it by the truckload if I could find it for $80-90, but that’s not happening through the Hobbs mailing list or local retail.
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6/19/2020 - markcic Likes this wine: 91 Points
We had friends over for dinner on our patio. We had not seen them since before New Years so we ate and drank. When the second bottle was done I reached for this one. While the other two bottles had the advantage of hours open this bottle we had to pnp. The nose was dark fruit. The palate was dark berries, mocha and hints of vanilla. The finish was moderatet to long. The next time I pick this wine I will make sure I give it a few hours to breath. I think that would improve the rating.
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4/26/2020 - markcic Likes this wine: 91 Points
Well yesterday was my birthday and some of my younger associates showed up in their SUV's and even brought their own wine glasses. They sat in the back while I sat in the garage and we set up a makeshift bar. I had about an hours notice so I opened the wine to let it breath. The nose was dark fruit. The palate was dark berries, mocha and hints of vanilla. The finish was moderatet to long. It was a nice bottle of wine and set the tone for my birthday dinner.
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2/22/2020 - MattFultz wrote: 92 Points
Lovely. Fruity but not fruit forward, earthy but not overly herbed.
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12/29/2019 - WineAttic Likes this wine: 93 Points
Brilliant wine with Bolognese and good company, the Chandlers. I love Paul's classic Napa red style. This followed a '16 A. Rafanelli Cab that was just as delicious.
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11/1/2019 - catlady Likes this wine: 92 Points
Best against a reserve conn creek.
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10/6/2019 - Dr. Bee Likes this wine: 93 Points
Classic Napa cab. Big but not too big. Excuisite balance already. Decanted for 90 min however.
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6/12/2019 - webbaker Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic Paul Hobbs Napa cab, though not as strong as prior vintages.
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5/12/2019 - gmat5497 Likes this wine: 93 Points
The wine looks purple colored. The legs are slow. It smells like stoniness. The body is full. The wine has round texture. The wine finishes long.
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5/3/2019 - Vino Loco Does not like this wine:
Thin for a cab, no depth. Harsh finish. Not my favourite.
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3/14/2019 - gmat5497 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Just solid. Everything fits together.
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1/3/2019 - jarfour wrote: 93 Points
Terrific Cab, won our New Year's Eve blind tasting!
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12/23/2018 - gteran76 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Midium + body, lots of sediment and fairly long finish. I decanted it for half an hour and placed back into the bottle to drink 2 hours after, it was beautiful, balanced with dark notes combine with the vanilla coming from the French oak. I can drink this all day long every day...
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12/8/2018 - gmat5497 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very balanced and bold.
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11/20/2018 - gmat5497 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Outstanding
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9/16/2018 - SingerofWine wrote: 90 Points
Pomegranate after two hour decant a little hot and young but really happy. Warm cherry crumble. Will serve with NY strip
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6/22/2018 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very similar in style to the O’Shaunnessy we had two nights before. Great nose and finish with creamy black fruit and creme de cassis that coats the throat as it goes down. Easy drinking and smooth. This is not a wine to try to over analyze. Just drink it for what it is and enjoy! If drinking with food, make sure you have something big that can stand up to it. This is a big wine.
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3/12/2018 - fc1910 wrote:
Dream Big, California Wines (Hotel Atlantic, Hamburg, Germany): One glass, brief note: quite open for business, silky, packed with black rich fruit, mocha, dark chocolate, another crowd pleaser, ending long+, ***, around 90- 91
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3/10/2018 - csimm wrote: 91 Points
Notes of black core fruit, earth, fresh black soil, chocolate, and dark spice. Medium-bodied and readily accessible, this exhibits a somewhat standard appellation profile in terms of complexity and personality. A darker profile overall (which I like), but little to speak of in the nuance department. Batting above its average QPR-wise, as its $100 price tag seems about double where it should be given its somewhat unremarkable depiction of terroir or the varietal. No huge complaints. But no “wow” factor at all for me.
Drink now.
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3/10/2018 - ckinv368 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Earthy, stewed black fruit, black pepper, leather. Drinking great now, although certainly astringent.
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3/5/2018 - oldwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasted at the Skurnik Grand Portfolio Tasting in NYC. Poured by Paul Hobbs. Deep, dark garnet color. This is a fairly soft but still structured wine with flavors of vanilla, spice, cassis and graphite. Surprisingly easy to drink. Probably best over the next 10 years.
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2/26/2018 - Robwild Likes this wine: 92 Points
Full bodied, well balanced with dark fruits and a hint of Oak.
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1/20/2018 - uflaw Likes this wine: 93 Points
Tasted at Wine Watch Best of Tasting. Best Cab of the night. Plenty of dark cherry and cassis with surprising depth despite its lack of age.
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4/28/2017 - Badmonkey wrote: 92 Points
Decided to give this a shot in light of James Suckling's 95 rating and the fact that a majority of the fruit is apparently derived from the Nathan Coombs vineyard - the Paul Hobbs single vineyard Nathan Coombs cab goes for over twice the price of the Napa Valley cab. Dark red and black bruit - dark cherry, currants, and blackberry. Smooth mid-palate with solid depth. Flavors of dark berries, spice, and a little graphite/mineral component. Decent finish but not overly long nor deep. Decanted for one hour and drank over another three. Improved a little with time but drinking fairly well after the decant. However, I believe this vintage could use another year or so for the fruit to soften and integrate some more which is no surprise in light of its youth. Sourced from Nathan Coombs, State Lane, and Flat Rock. 92% cab, 6% cab franc, and 2% petit verdot. In my opinion, more so in line with Parker's 90 to 92 rating.
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5/14/2016 - Millennial Drinkers wrote: 92 Points
BT-Definite potential, better than the 13 from what we can recall. Dark ruby red. Tons of dark fruits, cassis and some black cherries. Moderate plus tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Solid acidity and long finish. A little sharp but potential is there. 92+
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