January 1, 2020 - After a one hour decant, deep red fruits, low acidity, rich and smooth texture and fully integrated tannins. Unfortunately a small metallic note did not blow off until our last glass, which marred an otherwise terrific mature cabernet. Without the metallic taste, this would be 95+ wine.
July 28, 2019 - Abundant cherries on the nose. Sumptuous flavors that are unique—can’t quite place it—mocha, mango? Delicious.
July 20, 2019 - Similar notes to my April 2019 tasting.
April 8, 2019 - 14.8% ABV. I let it breathe for 45 minutes then drank over two hours. Aromatic nose. Ripe, dense and pure fruit, but not the most concentrated (Parker says "profoundly concentrated" but that's an overstatement). Dark berry. No cedar notes to speak of notwithstanding that it saw 100% new oak. Full bodied and supple. Perfect amount of acidity. Tannins only very mildly chewy. WS says to drink by 2020; Parker says it'll drink past 2030. I can't imagine anyone will wait until 2030 and I doubt there will be much improvement past 2020. Ready to drink now.
February 21, 2018 - Attractive and lively color with no signs of browning, bricking or discoloration. Dark berry fruits, smooth tannins with acidity present. Modest extraction by today’s standards and more a finesse / elegant Dr. Crane Cab. Robert Parker says said it should last for 25+ years and I would say that presently it’s showing pretty nicely at this point. A very good wine that I would score 93- 94 points.
April 20, 2017 - At Le Coq Rico with Alastair, drank next to an 08 Ovid. First bottle from a well stored batch bought at release. Slight chill, slow oxed for about 45 minutes, drank over 90.
Dark, opaque ruby red. Nose of red fruits. Palate showing blueberry pie, black raspberry, brambly red fruits, red currants, spice. Classic Dr Crane red fruit profile, rich and fruit forward. Some licorice and chocolate through the mid palate.
Still a very big wine, would like to have seen this a bit more evolved and settled and secondary at this point, not likely it will (?). At a great point, was a nice pairing with the excellent roast chicken, would be best with beef/grilled meats. Nice stuff
January 6, 2017 - Pnp
Big cab! Lots of fruit on the nose. Blueberry pie, creme cassis, dark chocolate all nose. Excellent steak wine. Delicious level is very high on this one. Flavors of creme blueberry, dark chocolate and a bit of spiciness. Heavy wine, low acid. Tasty stuff, but probably will not last more than 15 years.
April 16, 2016 - Zachys Fine & Rare Wines - Apr 2016 & an evening w/friends (Smith & Wollensky (48th & 3rd Ave)): Our first Paul Hobbs and it was very good and probably the best pairing with the fillet of all of th ewines. Drinking in a really wonderful spot. We decanted it prob an hour or two before pouring. Lots of cherry flavor here - very ripe and open. Enjoyable.
May 5, 2014 - Always one of my favorites, and this vintage continues the trend. Deep purple color with a nose of stewed and fresh fruit, oak and wet earth. Dark fruit and mint on the palate. Big wine with silky tannins and smooth finish.
August 30, 2013 - Still young but very approachable with a 2 HR decant. Garnet in color with subtle aromas of forest floor, and tastes of fig, coffee, a hint of vanilla, and truffles. Bold in the mouth, tannins are present and already beginning to soften. This is an outstanding wine that will rate even better over the next few years.