Paul Hobbs
About Paul Hobbs
The name Paul Hobbs has become synonymous with Napa Valley "cult" wine. A legend in his own time, he has made enormous contributions to fine wine around the world. Paul Hobbs himself was something of prodigious agricultural talent, growing up on an orchard where his green-fingered tendencies were nurtured by his father. Initially studying chemistry at university, Hobbs proceeded to venture West to gain a Master's degree in Viticulture and Enology in California - the rest is history.
With a solid academic background coupled with a natural feel for the cultivation of vines thanks to his formative years, Hobbs' talents were soon recognised by the legendary Robert Mondavi, and he quickly rose to become his most trusted colleague - Paul Hobbs was instrumental in the creation of Opus One.
The time came, as is only fitting for such a winemaker, for Hobbs to produce his wines, his way, under his own label in 2003. Miniscule production and a relentless pursuit of excellence above all else are the markers of such a producer - Paul Hobbs certainly conforms to these.
Paul Hobbs Wines
Hobbs produces a range of powerful yet classical Cabernet Sauvignon, and a hauntingly elegant Pinot Noir. He has consistently pioneered the Napa Valley trend of moving away from the super-ripe, extracted style of wines which were dubbed "fruit bombs" by unenthusiastic critics, to low intervention expressions of time, place and of course beautiful terroir.
He also consults with – and making – wine at dozens of top estates from Cahors to Napa to Argentina. His latest project, Viña Cobos, is one of the most exciting in Argentina.
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
California | 5 | 93 (VN (AG)) | HK$3,450.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate is redolent of black cherry, plum, grilled herbs, worn-in leather, chocolate, clove and copious sweet oak from 100% new barrels Paul Hobbs used at the time. Powerful and dark in the glass, the 2015 has plenty of textural intensity, but it is also peaking. I would not push my luck on aging. This was the fourth vintage Paul Hobbs made from his Coombsville estate. Recent vintages show more finesse and a lighter hand with oak. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 98+ (WA) | HK$30,320.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98+)Very deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate slowly reveals enticing notions of fresh blackberries, wild blueberries and black raspberries with emerging suggestions of cassis, tilled earth, tar and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, the palate delivers firm, beautifully ripe tannins and tons of tightly wound, muscular black fruits with a whole myriad of savory accents and great tension, finishing with jaw-dropping purity and length. Consider broaching this sleeping giant in 4-5 years and drink it over the next 25 years+. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 93 (VN) | HK$880.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2012 Chardonnay Cuvée Agustina Richard Dinner Vineyard emerges from a single block on the eastern side of the property where the soils are a bit poorer. Butter, tropical fruit, orange blossom and apricot pit add texture to a voluptuous, racy Chardonnay supported by a sense of phenolic richness and structure that is impossible to miss. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 4 | - | HK$1,785.00 | |||||
|
|
California | 2 | - | HK$9,855.00 | |||||
|
|
California | 1 | 91 (VN) | HK$8,235.00 | |||||
Vinous (91)The 2017 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is bright, floral and nicely lifted, with plenty of red cherry pie and berry character. Medium in body and wiry - perhaps because of its recent bottling - the 2017 has plenty to recommend it. This is a gorgeous wine in its peer group. |
|||||||||
