2005 Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, Magnum (1.5L)

RP95+ "As for Hobbs’ 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, this well-known vineyard on the back lots of St. Helena has gravelly, pebbly soil. I’ve said it so many times in the past that it is almost ridiculous, but there is a La Mission Haut-Brion-like character to some of the wines that are produced from this gravelly site, and it can be found in this cuvée from Paul Hobbs. The color is still a youthful dense ruby/purple, and the wine shows notes of crushed rock, loamy soil, blueberry and black raspberry fruit, medium to full body, striking elegance, and a compelling level of complexity and overall balance. It is amazing that the alcohol is listed at 15.3%, because this is another example of the absurd myth that wines above 14% are hot and out of balance. This wine is as fresh and lively as one could hope to taste. A great example from the brilliant Paul Hobbs, it has not yet achieved its plateau of maturity, but it has another 15-20 years of upside to it. Bravo!" RP Jun 2015