Description

Hoopes Vineyard is a small, family-owned winegrower and producer with deep roots in Napa Valley. First vineyard was planted in 1981 and first vintage was in 1984. The first vintage under Hoopes Vineyard was 1999.

The estate is now run by second-generation proprietor, Lindsay Hoopes. Raised on the farm by her wine-loving family, Lindsay learned how to cultivate grapes and promote Napa’s sense of place and terroir through her father, Spencer Hoopes. Spencer Hoopes loved farming, and developed a passion for wine as the wine industry in Napa blossomed right around him.

Hoopes vineyards are heritage vineyards, mostly from the 1980’s and 1990‘s and grafted from “suitcase” clones of unknown origin. They are very unique to Napa’s early heritage. Indeed, Hoopes has the oldest pre-Phylloxera vineyard in Oakville. That site in particular remains a sought-out destination by wine educators and enthusiasts alike because it is a telescope into some older farming techniques and Napa’s agricultural history. This vineyard is Hoopes flagship vineyard, and was the fruit source for the first vintage of Hoopes Family Vineyard wine. They still farm and produce from this vineyard today.

Hoopes cares deeply about sustainability efforts, and intend to shepherd the land for multiple generations to come. All of their vineyards are Certified Organic or are undergoing certification. The vineyards are working, regenerative farms complete with animals, water recycling systems, and bio-diversity practices aimed at enhancing the overall health of their vineyard ecosystem.

“Made with the same care and thoughtfulness of our single vineyard series, the Hoopes Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of fruit from a rich variety of sites. The synthesis of these vineyards, which represent the complex tapestry of Napa terroir, results in sublime balance, intense aromas and luscious textures that bring the diverse valley into harmony in a glass. Born out of curiosity, this Cabernet Sauvignon has matured into a stunning wine, which over delivers in intensity and richness. We are proud of this beautiful example of what the Napa Valley can do. 

This wine has a very pretty fruit-forward nose filled with plummy sweet tarts, cherry compote, cocoa nibs, hard candy, cedar box, and allspice. The entry is fresh and clean with a core of delicious generous fruit. It has a lovely elegant texture, weighty middle and resolves into a mocha filled finish.

A terrific value in the overheated realm of Napa Valley Cabernet, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon easily combines notes of Ribena and ripe cherries with hints of mocha. It s full-bodied but easygoing, not overdone, just harmonious and supple, with a soft dusting of fine-grained tannins on the finish, making it very drinkable. – Joe CZERWINSKI

– Robert Parker s The Wine Advocate (May 31st 2022), 92 PTS