Hobel 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon “The Joist” Napa Valley – 99 Points

FMW 99 Points: “The 2022 Hobel “The Joist” Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet blend from the three vineyard sources Hobel works with annually.  Due to the very low-yielding vintage, Thomas decided to make just one cuvee, a blend of all three vineyards rather than having three tiny productions.  Even now, only 200 cases of this wine are produced.  This youngster shows off an impressive dark, inky hue, with intense aromatics jumping out of the glass. The 2022 The Joist is expressive,  extremely well-balanced,  and loaded with black stone fruits, chocolate, a hint of spice, and anise. The wine is lush and full, elegantly lavish and complex, and finishes with gorgeous fine-grained tannins. This 2022 The Joist is a stellar cab that can compete with the best of  Napa and Bordeaux. If you want to drink it now, I suggest decanting it for 90 minutes before serving. This wine is destined for a good and long cellar life.”

Thomas Rivers Brown Notes: “The Joist” is a super blend that represents the essence of our winemaking philosophy and the unique character of our three exceptional vineyard sites in Calistoga.  Each vineyard has contributed its distinct character to this wine, resulting in a blend that showcases the complexity and elegance that Napa Valley is renowned for. The Pozzan Vineyard, with its deep, well-drained soils, imparts rich, concentrated flavors. Larkmead Vineyard, one of Napa Valley’s historic vineyards, brings a vibrant acidity and floral notes, while the Winfield Vineyard adds layers of dark fruit and finely structured tannins. On the nose, it captivates with an aromatic symphony of blackcurrant, crushed blackberry, and dark cherry, intertwined with enticing notes of cassis, graphite, licorice, and driftwood. This wine’s palate is a rich tapestry of lush, velvety tannins balanced by a vibrant acidity that imparts both freshness and structure.”