A Napa family wine story, Lindsay Hoopes was raised on a farm by her wine-loving family. Over time she learned how to cultivate grapes and promote Napa’s sense of place through her father, Spencer Hoopes. Spencer Hoopes loved farming, and developed a passion for wine as the wine industry in Napa boomed around him.
Today Lindsay heads operations at Hoopes and the wines are made by Napa wine icon Aaron Pott. I recently visited Pott at his high elevation vineyard in Napa. He makes some world-class wines for his own label. The new Hoopes wines I tasted were seriously good across the board. Poised and balance, these are not fruit bombs but wines with plenty of depth and flavor density but also show great structure. The best wine I tasted was the incredible 2018 Hoopes ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is fresh, viscous and has some serious aging potential. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.hoopesvineyard.com and here are the beautiful new releases by Hoopes.
2021 Hoopes ‘Napa Valley’ Rose- This mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) based 2021 Rose was stored in a combination of natural oak and stainless steel. This is generous, round and soft Rose, showing teaberry and cran-orange flavors alongside its smooth texture. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2018 Hoopes ‘Napa Valley’ Syrah- Coming from the Oak Knoll District, this 2018 Syrah offers sweet pipe tobacco, kirsch, Asian spices and suggestions of creme de violette. The palate nicely balanced, with good concentration and underlying finesse. Black currants, mocha, anise and shades of hoisin sauce all dominate the palate. Rich and viscous, this is gorgeous wine that is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2038- 94
2018 Hoopes ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning new bottling by Hoopes. Stored in French oak for 29 months before bottling, this offers ripe cassis notes with roasted figs on the nose alongside forest floor notes on the nose. The palate is soft and refined with a seamless texture. Layers of mocha, tar and black licorice combines with shades of sage on the palate. This will live on for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95