2021 Hoopes Vineyard ROSÉ – Unique Color and Very Tasty!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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 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, 2021 Hoopes ROSÉ – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes a unique coloration of a combination of copper, peach and pink forming a mesmerizing and unforgettable color. On the nose a faint peach aroma wafts into the olfactory senses. On the palate with various varieties of grapes, dark cherries, pomegranate juice, watermelon and a hint of grapefruit. Aaron Pott describes the finish as “filled with bright blood oranges” and they provided a soft landing for this finish.
Using 100% grapes from Napa Valley consisting of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot. 50% was aged in stainless steel and 50% in neutral oak. Barrel portion was aged 5 months. Alcohol percentage was 12.5% and 1,000 cases were produced. It is listed at $38/bottle on their website.
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
Enjoyed this wine with a charcuterie plate of various items including Boar’s Head French Brie (60% double crème cheese), Italian olives antipasto marinated in Chardonnay & herbs, dried apricots, an assortment of nuts, dry cranberries and sea salt & pepper crackers. Because of the subtle flavors of most ROSÉ wines they do seem to change with the flavors of the food or appetizers being tasted.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Later added the Cara navel orange slices while watching the National Collegiate Football Championship.
Sláinte,
Michael