2010 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras

From one of the great sites in Oakville, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard bristles on the palate with considerable energy and focus. Freshly cut flowers, red berries and crushed rocks all come to life in the glass. In 2010 Las Piedras stands out for its bright, intense salinity, which is the essential characteristic of this site. The 2010 needs at least a few years in bottle to settled down, but it is drop-dead gorgeous, even today.

From one of the great sites in Oakville, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard bristles on the palate with considerable energy and focus. Freshly cut flowers, red berries and crushed rocks all come to life in the glass. In 2010 Las Piedras stands out for its bright, intense salinity, which is the essential characteristic of this site. The 2010 needs at least a few years in bottle to settled down, but it is drop-dead gorgeous, even today. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. (Not yet released) One of the greatest attributes of the Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignons is their ability to deliver incredible pleasure throughout their entire lives. I tasted a wide range of wines this year with Paul Hobbs and winemaker Megan Baccitich, including several past vintages of the flagship To Kalon, which confirmed that view. In particular, the 2001 and 2002 To Kalon Cabernets remain stunning, and the straight 1999 Napa Valley Cabernet was equally impressive. Tel. (707) 824-9879

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is a big, rich wine. Interestingly, it is not as different from the 2009 as other wines in this tasting, which suggests the site itself has a very strong imprint. Minerals, dark fruit, licorice, tar and smoke are some of the notes that build towards the rich, expansive finish. This is a decidedly powerful style that works beautifully here.