Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
A rich and flavorful red with black currants, chocolate and hints of spices. Full and balanced with beautifully polished tannins and length. A fine and gorgeous wine.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Hobbs' least expensive wine and an excellent value is called Crossbarn, and the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a beautifully put together wine that transcends its rather humble origins. Dense ruby/purple with plenty of blackcurrant fruit and sweet tannin, this may well turn out to be the modern-day version of the 1974 Souverain Vintage Selection that I raved about when it was under $10 and the wine is still going strong 40 years later. Of course, the joy of this is to drink it early on, but there is plenty of stuffing and classic Cabernet character, so there’s no hurry. I wouldn’t be surprised in 20 years’ time to see somebody pull out a bottle that would prove a revelation in quality.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.