I feel like I haven’t opened a Napa cab (or any wine, for that matter) in recent memory that struck me the way this one did in terms of absolute peak drinking. Both fortunately (because I love the wines) and unfortunately (I was priced out of Realm a few years ago) this was undeniably in the zone amongst a table of ‘13 Bryant DB4, ‘07 Insignia, ‘12 Kapscandy Estate Reserve, and others.
Pop and pour. Extremely aromatic with dark fruits (more blue and black side of the spectrum) and dark florals (violets)…very Pritchard Hill. The texture of this wine is a modern marvel…how a 2013 100% Cabernet from PH can be this sexy/opulent but still so bright is beyond me. The rich and dark fruit is surrounded by graphite, espresso, dark cocoa, and sweet (not tart) cassis that carry the weightless yet flavor packed profile to a finish that lingers. Plenty of tannin and acid to keep this balanced for years, but this is absolutely the zenith of where it will be for balance of flavors. Don’t miss this window.
I haven’t been this star struck on a mid-aged Napa cab in a while, but this has it all. After opening the 2015 Realm Dr Crane earlier this year, this was more impressive (and DrCrane is my favorite vineyard). Wish Realm was still in my “realm” of purchasing! — 7 months ago
Tobacco and black currants classy and elegant. Showed well amongst impressive wines. — 6 months ago
N: muted. Complex. Pink roses. Floral.
P: silky tanins. Really juicy. Long. Almost sweet tart. Hint rubber.
Grapevine 285 — 2 months ago
Damn good — 8 months ago
This wine is absolutely gorgeous! Give it a 30 min rest in the glass. Bright ripe fruit nose. Silky mouthfeel, the perfectly ripe black and blue fruit comes forth, followed by intense minerality, soft yet grippy tannins leaving a slightly chalky mouthfeel. So elegant, such finesse. Graphite, black licorice, blueberry pie, baking spices, hint of mocha. Superb medium-long finish. It’s this experience that makes Dr Crane one of my favorite vineyards. Absolutely love this wine and this vineyard! — a year ago
Joe Flo
Fantastic wine from P. Hobbs Dr. Crane — a month ago