2003 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The beautiful 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Paul Hobbs’ multiple sources. It exhibits a vibrant, young, blue/black color as well as a stunning nose of Asian plum sauce, black currants, blueberries and a touch of forest floor. Rich, opulent and full-bodied, it is meant for early drinking, but at age ten, it is showing no signs of premature aging. The pleasure police may accuse this wine of being a fruit bomb, but, boy, is it gorgeous, rich and satisfying on both a hedonistic and intellectual level! There is a lot going on here, and by Napa Valley standards, it is reasonably priced. Drink it over the next decade. Tel. (707) 824-9879
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good full ruby-red. Currant, chocolate, soy sauce and a whiff of maple syrup on the nose. Fat, lush and sweet if a bit chunky. Solidly constructed cabernet that finishes with big, dusty tannins and a faint greenness.
Full medium ruby. Pungent aromas of cassis, menthol and pepper. Less fat and more clenched than the Cross Barn, but with purer and more primary dark fruit flavors. Nicely balanced, very fresh wine that will require at least three or four years of bottle aging.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.