With his talent taking him from one corner of the world to the other, Winemaker Paul Hobbs is a rock star of wine. He is actively making wine in several of my favorite places, like his impressive Vina Cobos from Argentina, Crocus from Cahors, France, Hillick & Hobbs in the Finger Lakes, NY, even an Armenia label, Yacoubian-Hobbs.

But as glamourous as his jet setting winemaker lifestyle maybe, his inspiration takes us to his roots on his family farm in upstate New York. It is there that the 3rd generation farmer spent his summer days, developing a love of the land, a celebration of family, and a desire to preserve Mother Nature. Reflecting on these ideals, with a desire to show the freshness and elegance of premium fruit from Northern California,  Crossbarn Winery was born, based in Sonoma, twenty years ago.

This year, with the 2017 vintage of the Crossbarn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($55) they have also released a new label for the wines, with a more modern look and a nod to the original family farm. For the quality of this wine from Napa Valley fruit, the wine is incredible. Layering blackberry, pencil lead, dark chocolate, and licorice, the nicely structured wine has lovely concentration and balance, highlighting the beauty of luscious Napa Valley fruit. #Cheers