Paul Hobbs Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville — Napa Valley 2022
Paul Hobbs established his namesake winery in 1991 after working with some of the world’s greatest vintners — and his Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon is the purest expression of his philosophy: meticulous care in the vineyard, minimal intervention in the cellar, and an unwavering commitment to site-specific wines. Coombsville is Napa’s coolest sub-appellation — a volcanic bowl at the southern end of the valley, heavily influenced by the marine air of San Pablo Bay, where slow ripening preserves natural acidity and produces Cabernet of exceptional finesse and complexity. The 2022 blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot — the most Hobbs has ever used — 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, aged 20 months in 53% new French oak. The result is a Coombsville Cabernet of rare elegance and depth.
The color is a deep, luminous ruby. The nose is immediately captivating: dark cherry, black currant, cassis, and chocolate, layered with violets, leather, loamy earth, cool wet slate, and sagebrush — the unmistakable cool-climate signature of Coombsville. On the palate, it is luscious, balanced, and vivid — silky tannins, full-bodied and broad-shouldered yet supple, with vibrant currant fruit, savory spice, and underbrush leading to a refined, lingering, and expressive finish. Drink now or cellar through 2031 and beyond.
Expert Reviews
James Suckling — 96 Points
“A delicious, layered, chocolate- and cherry-scented wine that entices you from the first sniff and pulls you through a rich palate and a lingering finish. So luscious, balanced, vivid and deep, showing the silky tannins and cool fruit notes of this southern Napa district. Contains 6% petit verdot, 2% cabernet franc and 4% merlot. Aged in 53% new French oak.”
Decanter — 94 Points
“Savoury spices abound in this red- and black-fruited wine from Paul Hobbs’s Coombsville estate. Leather, violets, and loamy earth mingle with vibrant currant fruit. Medium-bodied with crunchy tannins, it unfolds through notes of cool, wet slate, sagebrush, and underbrush, leading to a refined and expressive finish.”
Wine Advocate — 93 Points
“The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville includes 6% Petit Verdot — ‘the most PV I’ve ever used,’ said Paul Hobbs — and 3% each Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Aged in 50% new French oak, the nose easily blends black cherries and cassis with mere hints of cedar and vanilla. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied and broad-shouldered but supple. Loaded with dark fruit — excellent and a reasonable value in the context of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Wine Spectator — 91 Points
“Shows the vintage’s forward, soft and friendly fruit, with a hint of structure that keeps this stable through the finish. Acai and blueberry notes are supported by gentle iris and ink details. Drink now through 2031.”
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Producer: Paul Hobbs Winery, Coombsville, Napa Valley, California
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Vintage: 2022
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Appellation: Coombsville, Napa Valley
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Composition: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot
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Aging: 20 months in 53% new French oak
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Style: Elegant, cool-climate, site-specific Coombsville Cabernet
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Size: 750ml
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Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, cassis, chocolate, violets, leather, loamy earth, wet slate, sagebrush, silky tannins
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Drink Window: Now–2031+
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Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, wild mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses
Coombsville Cabernet from one of Napa’s great winemakers — Paul Hobbs 2022 is cool-climate precision at its finest.
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