Missouri Hopper is located south of Oakville AVA, and is a historic vineyard that was acquired by Beckstoffer in 1996 after succession by George Yount, Charles Hopper, and Bruce Kelham. It is made from a plot adjacent to Vine Hill Ranch. Aged for 16-18 months in French barrels (85% new barrels). Concentrated aromas of black fruits, chocolate, and tobacco, ripe juiciness, and delicate floral aromas. Full of energy and charm, with smooth tannins, it is powerful yet elegant.
Vintage Information
Flowering was slightly delayed due to a cold, dry winter that began with drought conditions that continued into spring.
However, ample sunshine and mild summer and fall conditions allowed for slow and steady ripening until harvest, producing fruit full of structure, energy and elegance.
A very dry vintage with low yields resulted in a wine with a good concentration.
It also has a fresh and elegant aroma and plenty of fruit flavor.
It already shows great elegance and will age beautifully for many years to come.
Technical information
Cultivation: Cover crops are used to reduce soil moisture in spring.
After the buds emerge in April, cover crops are plowed in to provide nutrients to the soil.
Carefully oriented ridges ensure that the vines receive equal exposure to the sun on both sides.
The leaves also cast a shade over the fruit, protecting it from the strong sunlight.
Brewing and fermentation: The basic brewing process involves 100% French barrel aging, with approximately 85% new barrels used, mainly Tarançao and Darnajou, with a small amount of Sylvain.
The barrel aging period is approximately 16-18 months.
The wine is unfiltered and unfined to maximize its expressiveness.
In addition, we keep SO2 addition and racking to a minimum, aiming to produce wines that are fresh, textured, unique and full of energy.
Like Las Piedras Vineyard, Clone 4 and Clone 337 are used to achieve aromatic complexity as well as structure and complete flavor.
They are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and then blended.
Tasting Comments
A wonderfully fresh and inviting Cabernet with beautiful edging and a soft, silky roundness.
Complex aromas of dark red fruits accented with spices.
Delicate floral and subtle graphite notes underpin the generous, fresh flavors of red fruit and core black fruit.
The powerful, elegant, flavorful and concentrated flavor is perfectly balanced with the oak flavors.
Field Information
Beckstoffer Vineyards is the producer of many of the finest wines in the Nava Valley.
They produce excellent grapes from To Calon, Dr. Crane, Georges III, Las Piedras (LPV), and Missouri Hopper, among others, that are highly sought after by famous wineries.
Old Missouri Hopper Tree
Missouri Hopper is located in the Oakville AVA, north of the town of Yountville, and was originally part of a larger estate owned by George C. Yount, for whom the town of Yountville was named.
It was purchased by Charles Hopper in 1877 and his daughter Missouri turned it into a vineyard.
In 1960, Bruce Kelham purchased the property as part of what would become the legendary Vine Hill Ranch.
Beckstoffer purchased it from the Kelham family in 1996.
Most of the land was replanted between 1997 and 1999.
In 2002, the land was identified with a conservation easement that permanently prohibits any development other than farmland.
Although it is only about 1 mile south of To Kalon, it is cooler due to the cold air coming in from San Pablo Bay.
The soil is mainly loose clay loam, with sediment from the Mayacamas Mountains accumulating, and the mountain side has relatively deep gravel.
The grapes used for Fe Man come from adjacent Blocks B and C of Vine Hill Ranch.
Benoit first learned about this vineyard when he made wine from grapes grown there for a charity auction. 2018 was the first vintage.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Nested AVA, Other: Oakville
Vineyard: Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard
Note: Limited quantity available
Winemaker: Benoit Touquette
Winemaking: Fermented in French barrels, aged for 16-18 months (85% new barrels), partially fermented in stainless steel tanks
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.8%