napa-valley
2013 Hoopes Cabernet Sauvignon – “lips drink water, hearts drink wine”- e.e. cummings
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Unwrapped the bottle as it was time to indulge in a treat. This is beyond your classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon! One of the best wines tasted in a while. First on the eyes, an inky purple and dark wine in the glass having a heavy viscosity that oozes richness. On the nose a bouquet of violets, cloves and blackberries greet the imbiber. On the palate the descriptors are numerous with espresso, plum, dark chocolate, soft leather, earthiness and raspberries. A wide-reaching broad flavor profile. Secondary flavors of black cherries and a hint of soft vanilla pipe tobacco enliven the sipping experience. On the finish finely sculptured tannins, velvety and yet present, along with dark chocolate complete the experience.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While waiting some 12 years in the bottle, the reward was breathtaking and worth the wait. This wine made my annual Best Wines Tasted for 2025 with an exclamation! Note the excellent condition of the cork.
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
Prepared one of our favorite dishes last evening, Mediterranean beef kebabs. The recipe called for sirloin beef, but substituted filet mignon. Cut the filet mignon meat and were marinated for almost two hours in the refrigerator. The ingredients for the marinade include fresh lemon juice, marjoram, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, Himalayan Sea salt, olive oil and fresh minced garlic.
Pieces of the filet mignon and vegetables were cut up to fit in the kabab grilling baskets preferred for grilling to capture all the ingredients rather than skewers. Besides the beef, two different colored bell peppers slices (yellow and orange ), and purple onion slices were loaded into the baskets. Placed on the BBQ between medium to medium-high for about 10-12 minutes rotating the baskets 90 degrees every 3 minutes. Emptied from the basket and served.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The meal was accompanied by roasted quarter potatoes in oil, garlic salt and pepper. Additionally, a fresh garden salad and old fashion Italian dressing was served made the salad delicious. The salad was comprised of Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, green onions and along with sliced black olives and sliced candied almonds.
This meal was extremely tasty, spicy and provided a real Mediterranean experience. It was like Spain, France, Italy and Greece combined to throw a party! Combined with the exquisite wine, one of the best food and wine pairing enjoyed last evening.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Their statement from e.e. cummings is a classic for this winery. Their other tag line is “in dogged pursuit of perfect wines”. Lindsay Hoopes is the second-generation owner of the vineyard. Her father Spencer founded the vineyard and worked at 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. This wine was produced by Anne Vawter who learned her craft under Heidi Peterson Barrett at Paradigm. In 2020 the 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 I did my first tasting in 2019, 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 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).
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Hindsight Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County – Mysterious & Intriguing
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of the first things I noticed is this wine is unique and mysterious in its taste. It is comprised of 91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Semillon grapes. While generally not a “big fan” of Semillon, with this modicum of grapes, it provided a beautiful balance with mellow citrus, honey, nuts and vanilla influences. Combined with the Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc with a blend of European traits blended with zesty New Zealand characteristics to provide an intriguing and mouth filling Sauvignon without the “puckering quality”. An enjoyable wine offering the best of many facets of Sauvignon Blanc.
On the eyes a soft light straw coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose grapefruit counterbalanced by guava and mango fruits swirl to entice you to take the first sip. On the palate the depth of the experience takes on layers of enjoyment bouncing from mellow citrus flavors lime and lemon to tropical fruits of guava and passion fruit. Secondary flavors again awaken one of these blends with honeydew and vanilla. The finish provides complete fullness with a brioche touch, for a beautiful conclusion. The balance of pure Sauvignon Blanc and a small amount of Semillon was in my experience, flat out perfect!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine made my annual Best Wines Tasted in 2025 (mid-Dec 2024 to mid-Dec 2025) both for the quality of taste and price point! The current price for 2021 & 2023 is $29.99 which is about sold out and then the 2023 is about to be released. Currently they have the 2023 on sale at $17.99/bottle per case (12) until January 3rd, 2025.
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 specifically for this tuna steak this evening. In between rain was able to fire up the grill and sear this tuna at 550 degrees for a couple of minutes on each side. Added spices included minced garlic, minced scallion, chopped parsley, soy sauce, sliced green onions, sea salt and pepper. Accompanied by sugar snap peas and brown rice. An excellent food and wine pairing with contrasting flavors of the fish and wine providing a great yin/yang tasting experience.
The Winery
Left to right, Michael Weiss, William Boykin, Alisa Gean and Seth Gersh – Photo from Hindsight Wines
The winery is in Calistoga, at the northern end of the Napa Valley. The owners of the winery are Seth Gersh, Managing Director, Alisa Gean MD, Sommelier and William S. Boykin, National Sales Manager. Seth’s background has been as an executive of various leading financial companies as well as being involved in philanthropic endeavors. Alisa is Professor Emeritus of Neuroradiology and Adjunct Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of California in San Francisco. Alisa received her Sommelier certification from Napa Valley College and the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is currently a WSET 4 Diploma candidate. Her resume in the medical and wine industry would be an article by itself! The third member of the ownership team, William Boykin has 46 years experience in the Wine and Spirits industry, starting back in 1977 with Inglenook Vineyards, then Seagram and importing Italian wines. Bill is involved in setting up and supporting their distribution channel. Bill along with Seth & Alisa have been involved in the San Francisco 49’er Football Foundation for over a decade. These three professionals are very synchronized in business planning and bringing forth superb wines to the market. Seth believes that the driving force of Hindsight’s business is to offer wines that over-deliver on quality.
Photo from Hindsight Winery
Michael Weiss is their winemaker steeped in years of making award winning wines. Michael spent 26 years helping build Groth Vineyards and Winery in Napa Valley. Prior to that he held winemaker positions at both Robert Mondavi Winery and Vichon Winery. Today they are producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirah from various designated vineyards.
The wines can be tasted at The Vault in downtown Calistoga. Here Hindsight Wines, along with others, are offered in an environment of warmth and hospitality. Their wines can also be purchased online through the Hindsight website.
Photo from Hindsight Winery
With 100% confidence, this wine absolutely over-delivers!
Sláinte,
Michael