Wine Splash!

Hoopes Cabernet

Angels, animals, and tropical labels are always the first things that catch my eye when I am shopping for wine……or most anything! And many times I am disappointed when I open up the bottle and taste what’s inside. But not with this Cabernet Sauvignon with the cute, clever pup hopping through the hoop! A wine making family that rescues dogs and has dedicated their wine label in memory of their terrior Dante. Now the Hoopes family has two rescue dogs Sophie and Maya watching over the wine operation at Hoopes Vineyard in Napa Valley. And it is great to enjoy a wine when you know the family and wine maker is so enthusiastic about their wines and protecting the terroir around it. The relationship between wine, winemaker, and soil is what it is all about and is what is important to the Hoopes family.

In 1983, owner Spencer Hoopes planted 10 acres of grapes in Oakville and he sold those grapes to some of the best wineries in Napa Valley. Fast forward fifteen years later and Spencer is keeping some of those grapes to himself and making amazing wines with his own name on the label. Add in an intelligent and very motivated daughter, Lindsay, who has full management of the winery and the rest is history. Hoopes Vineyard makes classic Cabs in an “old world meets new world” style so you can appreciate the essence of both. And their belief is to keep the flavors of the wine intact by minimizing outside influences of the grapes after harvest so you can enjoy their wines in its most pure form.

In the glass, dark ruby red in color and very intense. A wonderful nose of black raspberry, blueberry, and soft baking spices. Full bodied across the palate with a smooth personality and a pleasing touch of tannins. Impressive flavors of ripe blackberry, cassis, leather, and rich vanilla oak. Inspiring enough to make you want to do your own dog tricks! On the second sip, notes of cherry, blueberry, cola, and even some graphite come through! Rich and balanced with a long, graceful finish. This is a wonderful wine that can be enjoyed on its own but is a perfect marriage with food. Pair with steak, beef, pasta with tomato based sauces, and medium to sharp cheeses. Many people wait for a holiday or special occasion to spoil themselves with a good wine. You deserve to treat yourself often and drink great wines throughout the year and this is the one! This 2012 Hoopes Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed now through 2018. Average $75 a bottle. Cheers!