2008 Hoopes Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville- USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (11/28/2011)
1 hr decant. Muted nose of blackberry, cherry and spice. Tight as a drum for the first hour, took about 2 hours to start really showing up ( which is unlike alot of 08’s that seem to be ready right out of the bottle.). Pure blackberry, dark cherry fruit flavors with a touch of baking spices. Long subtle dark chocolate finish. (92 pts.)
I just tried my first Hoopes Cab (it was a 2006) this past week. It needed a good hour of airtime to really open up, but once it did, it was delicious (94 pts.). It is still just a bit primary so I would expect upside to this wine over the next few (3-5?) years. The style and structure is a bit softer than I prefer, so I will probably drink up before 2015.