HOOPES VINEYARD
2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Oakville, California
Rating 96+
Review
There has been a buzz around Napa regarding a small winery located on the outer reaches of Oakville called Hoopes, so I decided to get a hold of them directly to get more information. I was put in contact with John Healy a business partner in the winery. He invited me to meet the Patron of the winery, Spencer Hoopes for a private tasting. Head Winemaker, Jason Fisher was also there. We spent half the day discussing wine and sampling their new release 2007 Hoopes Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. We also barrel sampled the 2008, 2009 and 2010 vintages. Words cannot describe the excitement of my taste buds!
Hoopes Vineyard is the “southern most” vineyard in the Oakville Appellation. Its ten acres are located on the valley floor, in the center part of Napa Valley and boasts some of the finest grapes in the region. Because their production is so small, Hoopes does all wine making at Napa Wine Company, which is a custom crush. The phrase I kept hearing over and over again from Hoopes, Healy and Fisher is that they will “never compromise quality.” As a 30 + year collector, writer and connoisseur, it is refreshing to hear those words coming from this very talented wine making team.
This is the eighth vintage from Hoopes Vineyard. And This 2007 Hoopes Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is possibly the finest to date. It’s massive! To start with, it is dark and inky. On the nose there are currant, notes of blackberry, cherry and light plum, with a slight hint of cocoa and oak. Very well balanced and has a long lasting velvety finish. It reconfirms their commitment to producing the highest quality wine.
When it’s time to harvest, Fisher is heavily committed to quality. He is personally present during the whole process. His attention to detail yields only the finest grapes for each annual yield. He said they discard more grapes than they use. It’s this attention to detail that sets Hoopes ahead of the pack.
Current Cost is $69.00, at this price, I Anticipate the value of this wine will double or triple as it sits in your cellar. Current Cost is $69.00. Similar wines selling for $150.00 to $200.00, may not fare as well!!!!
R.W. Carlile
