Hooker RFC, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

This stunning Cabernet Sauvignon dazzled the judges at the fourth annual Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition in September, when it took a Platinum award and contended for best-of-show honors against some very formidable and more expensive rivals. More recently, at the Taste of Sommelier Challenge (where the public could sample many of the medal-winning wines) it was the talk of the tasting. Had there been a “people’s choice” award the Hooker Cab would have been in the hunt. This is a rich, dense, black-fruited Napa Cabernet with beautifully integrated tannins and a rich mouthfeel, with what seems like an endless finish. The name hooker comes from the rugby playbook, for a “hooker” is a position on the rugby field. The owners happen to be dedicated rugby fans. They also know a thing or two about making wine that will leave even your most critical wine buddies buzzing.