2018 Hoopes Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – Velvety Smooth
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Hoopes Vineyard
Hoopes Vineyard has a great tagline with a picture of the dog jumping thru the hoop being “In Dogged Pursuit of Perfect Wines”. From my perspective it could be “we will jump thru hoops to make your experience enjoyable”. Known for their Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, it was about seven years ago that I visited them. Many things have changed since then, but their wines are still stellular and the boutique and handcrafted wine remain constant. One new tag line used by Hoopes is a quote by e.e. cummings is “lips drink water, hearts drink wine”.
Lindsay Hoopes is the second generation owner of the vineyard. Her father Spencer founded the vineyard and worked the small twelve acre parcel in Oakville producing award winning wines for many years. Lindsay returned in 2012 needing to help out with an illness in the family. Taking full charge she made some unique changes including hooking up with famed vintners Anne Vawter and Jennifer Rue to produce new and bold Cabernets. Lindsay took up the challenge to develop a bio-diverse farming practice initiatives for sustainability certification. Lindsay undertook the adventure to find new and unique vineyards throughout Napa Valley to augment their estate offering. She also founded a rescue sanctuary for animals. In 2020 noted and heralded winemaker Aaron Pott joined Hoopes as the winemaker with his impressive and extensive resume from Napa Valley and beyond.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of the winery is the tasting room, which was their home. Sipping and discussing various wines at the dining room table while looking out into the vineyard adds a “real touch” of genuineness to the experience without pretense.
Today they produce a Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc (Atlas Peak), Chardonnay (Carneros), Syrah (Oak Knoll), Merlot (Howell Mountain) and various levels of distinct Cabernet Sauvignon’s (from $125 to $225/bottle).
The Wine- 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled this bottle from the cellar to be enjoyed with dinner. Let it warm up for a few hours at home before bringing it to a dinner party for eleven people.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While the room was a bit dark, the wine was even darker on the eyes with a cavernous deep almost black coloring! Medium-heavy viscosity being swirled in the glass provided hope of a delicious wine. On the nose, a wet forest floor and freshly cut mushrooms along with a violets wafted into the senses. On the palate, a softness of fruit consisting of black fruit with a tinge of anise. On the finish soft leather and roasted coffee provided a long finish. The uniqueness of this wine from Napa was the lack of “in your face oak and tannins”. While tannins were present, they were velvety and caressing, like tucking in a child to bed. While I personally like a little more punch, knowing one of the guests is not a big oak or tannins advocate, she was overwhelmed sipping the soft and sublime wine with joy.
The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville and aged 29 months in 100% French barrels, with 60% being new. The alcohol level came in at 15.2% and only 542 cases were produced. It sells for $125/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Again the wine was chosen for the meal knowing I was going to enjoy a steak at Verona18. The filet mignon was cooked perfectly to a lush pink medium rare. Topped with a generous helping of gorgonzola cheese and accompanied by fresh vegetable with mashed potatoes. While mentioning the soft and velvety tannins, they were sufficient to provide and cut through the meat. However, coupled with the “sharp cheese”, it was absolutely exquisite. A wonderful food and wine pairing.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Other wines brought to the dinner provided some great framing for the meals served. One additional bottle was missing from the picture, an Austin Hope Syrah/Mourvèdre blend.
Sláinte,
Michael
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https://www.hoopesvineyard.com/
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