With a Yountville (Napa) winery location, but a California appellation, the question immediately arises: where do the grapes for this wine come from? One can be relatively certain most of the grapes are not from around Yountville, from the Napa Valley somewhere, from somewhere in Napa county, or even the ‘North Coast’ - since wines almost always carry the narrowest appellation they are entitled to.
Now, lots of very good Cabernet is grown outside of Napa - in Sonoma County, in Lodi (yes, kids!), and in Amador, and (of course) in the Santa Cruz mountains in Santa Clara County. And some in the Livermore Valley and some on the Central Coast as well. But, all of those appellations, except Lodi traditionally, but more and more including Lodi, are happy to put the appellation on the label.
At a $25 retail price point, one can’t expect Napa (even ‘Napa County’ fruit, but one could expect some Sonoma County, Mendocino Counti, Lodi or even Amador fruit. All of which can be very good and good for your wallet. With that sort of fruit and good winemaking, given the numbers, this could be a good everyday drinking bargain.
But, there is also a large amount of rather mediocre Cabernet grown within California in other locations. Much of this ‘other’ Cabernet can’t even justify a $20 retail/$10 Casemates price tag.
I invite the winery participants to let us know where the grapes come from (roughly, but accurately) as a service to understanding the wine.
@rpm here is what I found on their website for their 2014 Cab, it’s not the same as this 2016 (which is a blend vs. 100% cab in 2014), but just as information:
Appellation: Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles
Barrel Aging: 18 months in 2 year French Oak old barrels and racked 5 times.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.9%
Number of Cases: 8,000
@rpm excellent points as usual. i’ve found that wineries who have estate grown wines will actually sneak in the good stuff (if needed to move surplus) and not say anything to preserve reputation. then the wine overperforms. that was my guess when tasting it. Not sure if that’s the case here, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Also, Hoopes Vineyards has been a joy to work with. Solid cats.
@Lighter The “Peruvian peppercorn” thing stopped me-- I had to go look that up. Turns out they grow on a tree, and grow in CA, so it could mean something on the left coast. But it’s not a descriptive that says anything to me.
As far as alliteration goes, it could have said “Peruvian pink peppercorns and pencil peelings”…
Hoopla wines are irresistible, energetic, and fun - just like our rescue dogs, Maya and Sophie. Good wine does not need to be too serious to enjoy, and that is our philosophy.
The Hoopla Cabernet Sauvignon is a luscious, juicy, fruit-centric Cabernet -Whimsical and punchy mouth-feel, layered with flavors of baking spices and clove. A pleasure to drink easily, anytime, with food or without!
This wine’s dense, dark garnet hue beckons you to dive deep into the nose as it opens with hints of Peruvian peppercorn and pencil shavings. Upon taking time to breathe in the glass, notes of raspberry, graphite and hot earth are revealed. On the palate, the raspberry aromatic evolves first into bramble and secondarily into framboise liqueur, filling the mouth with its dense body. As the wine slowly recedes, a beautiful rose water essence is revealed, leaving one wanting more.
This wine pairs very well with a gourmet burger, eggplant Moussaka or a wild boar Ragu with Fettuccine and foraged mushrooms with shaved Reggiano Parmesan.
Vintage and Winemaking Notes
2016 was another in a long line of drought years in the Golden State. While this was worrisome for some, this provided a perfect scenario for dark, rich concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the state thanks to the drought resistance of grapevines. In addition, moderate temperatures throughout the growing season allowed for ideal flavor development and smooth, even ripening. Yield was naturally low, and grape berry size was one of the smallest in recent memory. This wine was sourced from appellations across the state that benefited significantly from this natural devigoration. As can be seen in the wine, lushness was not sacrificed, while intensity and power was maximized.
Specifications
Vintage: 2016
Composition: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
Appellation: California
Barrel Type: French Oak
Barrel Aging: 18 months in 2 year old barrels and racked 5 times
Alcohol: 13.5%
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $300 MSRP
About The Winery
Winery: Hoopla Wines
Owners: Spencer Hoopes and Linday Hoopes
Location: Yountville, CA
Have fun, that’s our simple philosophy. Napa wine has become so stuffy. It seems more important to follow fashion rather than instinct. Buy it for the wine, not the pretense. Hoopla is contrary, great grapes shape our wines, not trends – it’s pretty straightforward. Zzzz…is that your bored palate we hear? Treat it to a little fun.
Hoopla wines are irresistible, energetic, and fun - just like our rescue dogs, Maya and Sophie. Good wine does not need to be too serious to enjoy, and that is our philosophy. We give top notch grapes to our team of winemakers, and ask them to make something different that will make your tail wag with delight. Be the alpha dog and buy a case - you’ll have the perfect party gift to bring all year.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Hoopes Vineyard Hoopla Cab Sauv - $35 = 21.20%
/giphy overrated-majestic-animal
Office split #2, this time a case. It helped that they were softened up with other alcohol at the pre-turkey day luncheon. I have had the 2012 Hoopla the Mutt and really liked it.
Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay in the report but thanks to delivery redirection by twice by fedex!
Here’s our thoughts! Not the typical Napa cab. A little more tannic at the onset of drinking. Breathed for about an hour before pouring. Not as fruit forward as I was anticipating. Not high alcohol vapors/heat. Bursts of flavor, somewhat nondescript. Not big cherries or chocolate. Did pick up the prunes/currents. A decent daily drinker, but unfortunately a bit forgettable. Label was was enjoyed by all.
With a Yountville (Napa) winery location, but a California appellation, the question immediately arises: where do the grapes for this wine come from? One can be relatively certain most of the grapes are not from around Yountville, from the Napa Valley somewhere, from somewhere in Napa county, or even the ‘North Coast’ - since wines almost always carry the narrowest appellation they are entitled to.
Now, lots of very good Cabernet is grown outside of Napa - in Sonoma County, in Lodi (yes, kids!), and in Amador, and (of course) in the Santa Cruz mountains in Santa Clara County. And some in the Livermore Valley and some on the Central Coast as well. But, all of those appellations, except Lodi traditionally, but more and more including Lodi, are happy to put the appellation on the label.
At a $25 retail price point, one can’t expect Napa (even ‘Napa County’ fruit, but one could expect some Sonoma County, Mendocino Counti, Lodi or even Amador fruit. All of which can be very good and good for your wallet. With that sort of fruit and good winemaking, given the numbers, this could be a good everyday drinking bargain.
But, there is also a large amount of rather mediocre Cabernet grown within California in other locations. Much of this ‘other’ Cabernet can’t even justify a $20 retail/$10 Casemates price tag.
I invite the winery participants to let us know where the grapes come from (roughly, but accurately) as a service to understanding the wine.
@rpm here is what I found on their website for their 2014 Cab, it’s not the same as this 2016 (which is a blend vs. 100% cab in 2014), but just as information:
Appellation: Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles
Barrel Aging: 18 months in 2 year French Oak old barrels and racked 5 times.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.9%
Number of Cases: 8,000
@rpm excellent points as usual. i’ve found that wineries who have estate grown wines will actually sneak in the good stuff (if needed to move surplus) and not say anything to preserve reputation. then the wine overperforms. that was my guess when tasting it. Not sure if that’s the case here, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Also, Hoopes Vineyards has been a joy to work with. Solid cats.
Happy thanksgiving!
Hoopes Vineyard Hoopla Cabernet Sauvignon
4 bottles for $54.99 $13.75/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $129.99 $10.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2016 Hoopla Cabernet Sauvignon
“Peruvian peppercorn and pencil shavings.” Yep - that sure makes me want to buy. Alliteration needs restraint.
Oh, that’s right - it’s Meh World.
Nevermind.
@Lighter The “Peruvian peppercorn” thing stopped me-- I had to go look that up. Turns out they grow on a tree, and grow in CA, so it could mean something on the left coast. But it’s not a descriptive that says anything to me.
As far as alliteration goes, it could have said “Peruvian pink peppercorns and pencil peelings”…
Tasting Notes
Hoopla wines are irresistible, energetic, and fun - just like our rescue dogs, Maya and Sophie. Good wine does not need to be too serious to enjoy, and that is our philosophy.
The Hoopla Cabernet Sauvignon is a luscious, juicy, fruit-centric Cabernet -Whimsical and punchy mouth-feel, layered with flavors of baking spices and clove. A pleasure to drink easily, anytime, with food or without!
This wine’s dense, dark garnet hue beckons you to dive deep into the nose as it opens with hints of Peruvian peppercorn and pencil shavings. Upon taking time to breathe in the glass, notes of raspberry, graphite and hot earth are revealed. On the palate, the raspberry aromatic evolves first into bramble and secondarily into framboise liqueur, filling the mouth with its dense body. As the wine slowly recedes, a beautiful rose water essence is revealed, leaving one wanting more.
This wine pairs very well with a gourmet burger, eggplant Moussaka or a wild boar Ragu with Fettuccine and foraged mushrooms with shaved Reggiano Parmesan.
Vintage and Winemaking Notes
2016 was another in a long line of drought years in the Golden State. While this was worrisome for some, this provided a perfect scenario for dark, rich concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the state thanks to the drought resistance of grapevines. In addition, moderate temperatures throughout the growing season allowed for ideal flavor development and smooth, even ripening. Yield was naturally low, and grape berry size was one of the smallest in recent memory. This wine was sourced from appellations across the state that benefited significantly from this natural devigoration. As can be seen in the wine, lushness was not sacrificed, while intensity and power was maximized.
Specifications
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $300 MSRP
About The Winery
Winery: Hoopla Wines
Owners: Spencer Hoopes and Linday Hoopes
Location: Yountville, CA
Have fun, that’s our simple philosophy. Napa wine has become so stuffy. It seems more important to follow fashion rather than instinct. Buy it for the wine, not the pretense. Hoopla is contrary, great grapes shape our wines, not trends – it’s pretty straightforward. Zzzz…is that your bored palate we hear? Treat it to a little fun.
Hoopla wines are irresistible, energetic, and fun - just like our rescue dogs, Maya and Sophie. Good wine does not need to be too serious to enjoy, and that is our philosophy. We give top notch grapes to our team of winemakers, and ask them to make something different that will make your tail wag with delight. Be the alpha dog and buy a case - you’ll have the perfect party gift to bring all year.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, December 13th - Monday, December 17th
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Hoopes Vineyard Hoopla Cab Sauv - $35 = 21.20%
Blend sounds delightful. Looking forward to labrats on this one.
/giphy overrated-majestic-animal
Office split #2, this time a case. It helped that they were softened up with other alcohol at the pre-turkey day luncheon. I have had the 2012 Hoopla the Mutt and really liked it.
@pjmartin woohoo !
@pjmartin I like the idea of starting an office split group but that would mean im buying more wine…
Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay in the report but thanks to delivery redirection by twice by fedex!
Here’s our thoughts! Not the typical Napa cab. A little more tannic at the onset of drinking. Breathed for about an hour before pouring. Not as fruit forward as I was anticipating. Not high alcohol vapors/heat. Bursts of flavor, somewhat nondescript. Not big cherries or chocolate. Did pick up the prunes/currents. A decent daily drinker, but unfortunately a bit forgettable. Label was was enjoyed by all.
@Ballybunion871 Mayhaps leaning toward being on the food friendly side as opposed to a cocktail wine
@Ballybunion871 @kaolis was thinking the same thing.