Hobel The Birdseye Larkmead Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021

The name "Hobel" derives from the traditional woodworking plane and the family name of proprietors Cameron and Bahaneh Hobel, symbolizing the precision and artistry inherent in artisanal woodworking and fine winemaking. The worlds run parallel, procuring raw material from nature and thoughtfully refining it to a finished product that still exemplifies and honors its source. The winery's journey to foundation began in 1998 when Cameron met esteemed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown in Napa Valley. Their shared passion for exceptional wine led to the creation of Hobel Wines, with their inaugural vintage released in 2009.

A commitment to meticulous craftsmanship drives the Hobel team, who pay homage to the family name with touches throughout their brand. The logo is a modernized illustration of a hobel, and each wine in their portfolio is named after an aspect of woodworking. The bottles feature a unique species of custom-crafted wood, each vintage hand-applied to the neck of every bottle, reflecting this dedication to detail. "The Birdseye," featured in Apex this month, references "a distinctive pattern that resembles tiny, swirling bird's eyes disrupting the smooth lines of grain."

Sourced exclusively from Block C9 of the renowned Larkmead Vineyard in Calistoga, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the distinctive terroir of this esteemed site. The vineyard's deep, well-draining river gravel soils contribute to the wine's complexity and depth. The 2021 growing season, characterized by drought conditions and minimal precipitation, resulted in lower yields but exceptional fruit quality. Harvested on the night of October 14th, the grapes exhibited concentrated flavors and remarkable balance.

Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown describes this vintage as leading "with a varietal savory-ness that helps showcase varietal and site over vintage and house style." The wine presents a harmonious blend of walnut husk, tobacco, loam, mint, and plum, evoking the classic Napa Cabernets of the 1970s and '80s. It offers medium weight and a velvety texture on the palate, with dark fruit notes, oak, and chocolate nuances contributing to an enduring finish. With a limited production of just 136 cases, the 2021 Hobel "The Birdseye" is a brilliant and exclusive display of what Calistoga Cabernet crafted to exacting and thoughtful standards can possess.