2021 Hoopes Sauvignon Blanc – “lips drink water, hearts drink wine” – e.e. cummings
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. The quote in the title is one of Lindsay’s favorites. 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 – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes a glistening golden color and medium viscosity awaits the drinker. On the nose soft aromas of pear and floral scents. On the palate, the predominant tastes are lemon grass and a bit of earthiness. Faint secondary tastes of green apple combined with slight citrus of lime and lemon shavings. The finish is abbreviated with the “rocky minerality” coming through. The grapes are from Atlas Peak region.
The wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and aged 80% in Amphora and 20% in neutral oak barrels. Originally priced at $50/bottle and when I went on line today it is showing $38/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
The wine was chosen for this evening’s meal of sautéed scallops over whole wheat pasta. Accompanied by sweet snap peas, halved cherry tomatoes and a fresh garden salad. The wine provided great point counterpoint to the sweet scallops and sweet snap peas. The wine framed the meal appropriately. A very good food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael