Growing up on a working farm in upstate New York, Paul Hobbs experienced first-hand the influence of terroir on the character of fruit when his father had him taste apples of the same variety grown in different orchards several miles apart from one another. The diversity of flavors and textures made an impression on him and would later influence his approach to winemaking. Paul later helped his father achieve a lifelong dream of transforming some of the farm’s acreage from apples, nuts and peaches to wine grapes.

As a winemaker, Paul is highly regarded for his ability to identify exceptional vineyards, and for his pioneering spirit in working innovatively with new and historical sites and regions. His success has inspired a wealth of nicknames among the press, from quiet trendsetter to prospector to truffle-hunting dog. Initially hired by Robert Mondavi for his advanced understanding of oak aging, he was promoted to the inaugural Opus One wine-making team. Following his Mondavi experience, Paul joined Simi Winery as Winemaker before going on to consult for Peter Michael, Fisher Vineyards, Lewis Cellars, Bodegas Catena and others. He founded Paul Hobbs Winery in 1991, Vina Cobos in 1999 and continues to be a leading consultant winemaker around the globe.

CrossBarn began as just one small lot of Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2000 vintage but its popularity has inspired the introduction of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and more. With CrossBarn, Paul ventures beyond the vineyards sourced for Paul Hobbs wines while holding to his ideals of sustainable vineyard practices and gentle winemaking techniques.

Crossbarn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is produced using hand-harvested fruit from carefully selected vineyards in prime appellations in the Napa Valley—from Coombsville to Calistoga. The wine offers structure and weight in balance with pure, concentrated fruit.

A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, the grapes macerate and ferment for 26 days, including a 5-day cold soak. The wine is then aged in French and American oak barrels, 14% new, for 20 months.

Growing up on a working farm in upstate New York, Paul Hobbs experienced first-hand the influence of terroir on the character of fruit when his father had him taste apples of the same variety grown in different orchards several miles apart from one another. The diversity of flavors and textures made an impression on him and would later influence his approach to winemaking. Paul later helped his father achieve a lifelong dream of transforming some of the farm’s acreage from apples, nuts and peaches to wine grapes.

As a winemaker, Paul is highly regarded for his ability to identify exceptional vineyards, and for his pioneering spirit in working innovatively with new and historical sites and regions. His success has inspired a wealth of nicknames among the press, from quiet trendsetter to prospector to truffle-hunting dog. Initially hired by Robert Mondavi for his advanced understanding of oak aging, he was promoted to the inaugural Opus One wine-making team. Following his Mondavi experience, Paul joined Simi Winery as Winemaker before going on to consult for Peter Michael, Fisher Vineyards, Lewis Cellars, Bodegas Catena and others. He founded Paul Hobbs Winery in 1991, Vina Cobos in 1999 and continues to be a leading consultant winemaker around the globe.