At a glance

Producer

Paul Hobbs

Region

Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$500-$800 USD (as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Rich blackcurrant, blackberry, cassis, cigar box, graphite, oak spice, cocoa, and subtle floral top notes. Plush texture, powerful yet harmonious.

Evolution: Primary dark fruit integrating with savory cedar, tobacco, earth, and exotic spice. Tannins softening with age, more tertiary complexity emerging.

At peak: Profound nuance, seamless integration of fruit, oak, and earth. Layers of black fruit, mint, graphite, and velvety texture at peak.

Structure

Acidity

Medium+

Tannins

Firm, finely polished, still present but integrating

Alcohol

14.5-15% ABV

Aging potential

20+ years from vintage; can hold through 2032 with careful storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2021 to 2027

Optimal window

2018 to 2030

Current status

Optimal maturity, entering plateau phase

Current condition

Excellent, fully expressive but cellaring potential remains

The wine’s pedigree from To Kalon Vineyard, coupled with Paul Hobbs’ winemaking and the excellent structure of the 2012 vintage, means it shows optimal balance and complexity after a decade, with a plateau of peak drinking through 2027 and graceful evolution possible through 2032.

Food pairing

Prime rib, grilled lamb, dry-aged steak, hard cheeses, or mushroom risotto with truffle.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To release aromatics and allow tannins to soften; wine is mature but benefits from aeration.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Paul Hobbs Winery utilizes sustainable farming (cover cropping, deficit irrigation, low-impact pest management), solar energy for winery operations, water recycling, and light-weight glass bottles, but is not fully organic or biodynamic.

Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon is sourced from one of Napa’s most prestigious vineyards, managed with a focus on sustainability (SIP certification). Farming includes water conservation, reduced chemical use, and energy efficiency at the winery. However, the wine uses conventional (not organic/biodynamic) vineyard management and ships in heavy glass bottles, raising some sustainability concerns. The carbon footprint is moderate for US buyers, higher for international shipments. Overall, the winery is above average on sustainability for Napa, but not an industry leader.