Hobel The Joist Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023

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 materials from nature and thoughtfully refining them into finished products that still exemplify and honor their 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 a woodworking term. 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 Joist brings together three of Hobel’s favorite vineyard sources - Pozzan, Larkmead, and Winfield. Located in the northwest corner of Calistoga, on the St. Helena valley floor, and in a hidden plateau in the Vacas, respectively, these sites are almost a perfect slice of upper Napa Valley from range to range. All three vineyards experience the intensely warm days and bracingly cool nights for which north Napa is known. The unique microclimate lends itself to well-structured, balanced Cabernets and, in the case of The Joist, combines with myriads of soil types, creating layers of complexity that showcase the concentration of the sun-drenched fruit.

Thomas speaks nostalgically about the 2023 vintage, saying, “This is a vintage that reminds Cameron, Bahaneh and I why we love making wine here. The wines are expressive, complete, and built to age - the kind of vintage we’ll be talking about for years to come.” It was the first vintage since 2019 where Hobel crafted their full line-up of wines but still, The Joist is small with just 100 cases produced. Winery tasting notes highlight “ripe black and blue fruits, bramble, and spice intertwined with forest floor, cardamom pod, graham, and a touch of exotic toast.”