2016 Hoopes Sauvignon Blanc – “lips drink water, hearts drink wine”- e.e. cummings
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Hoopes website
Their statement from e.e. cummings is a classic for this winery. 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 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 was where we did the tasting, 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 – – “In Dogged Pursuit of Perfect Wines” (tagline from Hoopes Vineyard)
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2016 Sauvignon Blanc was their inaugural release of this varietal. The grapes were grown in Coombsville from vineyards that are dry, producing an exquisite wine.
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.
First, on the eyes a glistening golden color and medium viscosity awaits the drinker. On the nose soft of pear and honeysuckle floral aromas. On the palate, the dominant tastes are lemon grass, honeydew melon 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. It is a combination of Old-World Sauvignon Blanc minerality with a hint of New Zealand spice. This 2016 comes in at 14.1% alcohol.
Their current vintage is their 2021 and comes from Atlas Peak and the price is $42/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
Pulled this wine from the cellar for the meal this evening. A seared Yellow Fin tuna with ground peppercorns and black sesame seeds. Served with a sauce of wasabi, fresh squeezed lemon juice, black sesame seeds, pineapple juice, honey and ginger. The sauce was poured over the ahi and garnished with slices of green onions and pineapples pieces. Accompanied by white rice, with the same sauce poured on top and Brussel sprouts with reduced Balsamic vinegar. An excellent meal and is now a go to option for both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay!
Sláinte,
Michael