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The Hoopes estate vineyards stand are neighbors to such Napa Valley icons as Opus 1, Robert Mondavi, and Harlan Estate. Indeed, before the family started their label, their grapes were eagerly sought after by the famous estates. In addition to having a microclimate that’s not exactly cool or warm, the estate is blessed a variety of soils, including volcanic, which is rare on the floor of the Napa Valley. The winemaker, Anne Vawter, who had worked under Heidi Peterson Barrett for four years at the Paradigm Winery, sees Oakville as Napa’s most exciting sub-appellation, her “solar plexus.” James Suckling noted the “hand-crafted” approach and said the wine “shows the brightness and energy of the 2014 vintage with blackberry, hints of rose petal and black tea character [and] full body, polished tannins and a focused finish.”
Located on prime Napa Valley real estate, where the Oakville AVA borders Yountville, the Hoopes Vineyard is a family business with a twist: it’s a father-daughter operation – in which (daughter) Lindsay Hoopes has full control of managing the business. Her father, Spencer Hoopes, came to farming and winegrowing by following his passion for collecting great wines. In 1983, he planted a ten-acre vineyard in the Oakville AVA and was soon supplying premium fruit to several esteemed wineries. 15 years later, he started his own label in order to make the aromatic wines with balance and structure that he loved most. A sweetspot for Cabernet Sauvignon, the Oakville AVA features well-drained sandy and gravelly soils as well as a slightly warmer climate that allows this late-ripening variety to develop rich and complex flavors. Think “Napa Cab” and you are probably thinking “Oakville” - as it is home to many of the Valley’s most iconic wines. Hence, it’s not surprising that Hoopes Vineyard focuses on Cabernet. But, as a small enterprise comprising estate vineyards as well as a winery, Hoopes Vineyard represents the pure relationship between grape grower and winemaker in a way that few do in the Napa Valley anymore. Under the flagship Hoopes label, the winery produces Cabernet from its estate vineyard in Oakville as well as from select vineyards in other parts of the Valley.
These wines, produced through meticulous farming and a minimalist approach to winemaking, are deep and complex and will reward years of cellaring. This label also includes Sauvignon Blanc from Coombsville as well as Chardonnay from Carneros. The winery also launched Hoopla, originally as a way to utilize the barrels that didn’t make it into the top blends but now as a label that emphasizes the fun and joie de vivre of a life in - or with - wine. The dog on the label is Dante, Spencer’s faithful and energetic terrier (now deceased), whose boundless energy might symbolize how we should approach wine in our lives - with a sense of play and fun rather than formality and seriousness.
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Appellation(s) | Napa Valley |
| Winery | Hoopes/Hoopla |
| Vintage | 2014 |
| Color | Red |
| Varietal(s) | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Bottle Size | 8.5 x 31.0 |
| Case Size | 36.5 x 27.0 x 32.0 |
| Alcohol | 14.9% |
| Product Code | HP14OVB |
| UPC | NONE |
93 points – Decanter; 93 points – James Suckling; 90 points – Jeb Dunnuck; 90 points – Wine Enthusiast.
Aromas dance between fresh ripe blackberry and cassis, floral rose petal notes, and savory hints of leather and spice. The expansive palate is generous in offering dark fruit flavors, tar, licorice, chocolate and coffee bean. A full-bodied wine with polished tannins, nice oak and a bright finish.
Aged 21 months in 45% new French oak.