Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Coombsville, Napa Valley, California

2019 was truly a remarkable year that may prove to be the standout vintage of the decade. After the record-breaking 2018 harvest, the crop came in much closer to historical averages. Harvest kicked off during its typical timeframe on September 6 and lasted seven weeks, with fruit possessing exceptional energy, precision, purity of flavors, and superb balance. Winemaking: Hand-sorted while still cold from the field. Fermented in small, closed-top stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. 5 day cold soak, 28 day total maceration. Gentle pumpovers and délestage. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels; 64% new. Varietal composition: 85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% petit verdot, 2% merlot. Unfined and unfiltered; bottled June 2021. Tasting notes: “Since our inaugural release last year, this wine has quickly become one of the most compelling in our portfolio. Offering a gorgeous deep purple hue, our 2019 captivates with a bouquet of crushed blueberry, summer savory spice, and a delicate tobacco leaf note. The palate is remarkably balanced with well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity that wraps around boysenberry and black fig along subtle notes of rosemary and a crush rock minerality, which lends tension through the long finish.”