Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard 2018 (750ML)

99 WA / 96 JS / 95 WS / 95 VM

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard was aged in 70% new oak this vintage, as opposed to 100% as it normally is. Deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls out of the glass with perfumed rose hip tea, fragrant earth and incense scents, giving way to a core of kirsch, blackberry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles plus a touch of iron ore. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it has exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins and a refreshing backbone, finishing long and minerally.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate

Lots of ripe, plummy fruit with orange peel, flowers and cherries on the nose. Some stones. It’s full-to medium-bodied with a round, juicy palate and a flavorful finish. Very attractive and well balanced. Drinkable now, but better in 2022 and onwards.-James Suckling

This has energy and intensity, with bramble-edged plum, blackberry and boysenberry paste flavors that saturate without being heavy, backed by anise and apple wood on the well-defined finish. A late flash of iron adds the final touch. Sneaky long. Best from 2022 through 2038. 882 cases made.-James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is silky, sensual and wonderfully open-knit, as wines from this highly regarded St. Helena site can be. Rose petal, crushed red/purplish berry fruit, graphite, spice and mint infuse the 2018 with notable complexity as well as elegance. The 2018 is classic Dr. Crane - finessed and light on its feet. It is still a touch linear in build, just as it was from barrel, but it is also a bit more filled out. The Hobbs Dr. Crane emerges from choice parcels in the A and C blocks.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media