WA 97+ Pts - Winemakers Notes - Sourced from favored rows within the exclusive BV4 block, the 2008 release achieves formidable complexity and refinement. Its black crimson hues are resplendent with aromas of blackberry, red currant and graphite. The palate is silky and graceful, yet powerfully charged with intense, finely sculpted layers of crème de cassis, bittersweet cocoa and cedar. The mid-palate confirms the wine's breadth with a surprising lift brought on by very subtle notes of yeasty bread and vanillin, in a crescendo toward an endless finish graced with firm, stately tannins. Rated 90+
According to Robert Parker - Not surprisingly, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is reminiscent of a great first-growth Pauillac. One of Napa’s true first-growth vineyards, Hobbs obtains just about everything one could want from this extraordinary site. The phenomenal 2008 boasts sweet, juicy creme de cassis, incense, blackberry, toasty oak, licorice and spice box characteristics. Deep and full-bodied with great intensity, freshness, laser-like precision, copious tannin and a 60+ second finish. This cuvee is best forgotten for 2-4 years and drunk over the following three decades. It comes close to rivaling the 2007 and the virtually perfect 2002 (which I recently drank and was blown away by).