Hobel 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon “The Joist” Napa Valley – 99 Points

Winery Notes: “Our 2023 The Joist starts with an enchanting opaque, purple-crimson in the glass. This blend of our three vineyard sources – Pozzan, Larkmead, and Winfield – displays aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, bramble, and spice intertwined with forest floor, cardamom pod, graham, and a touch of exotic toast. The palate is energetic yet elegant, offering ripe plums and a salted chocolate note over fine, velvety tannins. The slow-building finish lingers with chewy texture and refined detail — a beautifully balanced, vivid expression of the vintage. “

FMW 99 Points: “The 2023 Hobel ‘The Joist’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet blend from the three vineyard sources Hobel works with annually.  This cuvee was first made in 2022 due to the very low yield in all three vineyards, Thomas decided to make this wine again in 2023.  Even now, only 100 cases were produced.  This youngster shows off an impressive dark, inky hue, with intense aromatics jumping out of the glass. The 2023 “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 2023, The Joist is a stellar Cabernet 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.