2022 Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Limited to just 130 cases, this Cabernet dazzles with its fine bouquet of cool mint, red licorice, ripe cherries, black raspberry and brushy undertones. The harmonious aromas give way to a full-bodied palate of plush black fruit and coffee bean, a richly textured wine with concentrated flavors, elegant tannins, and a finish that lasts and lasts.

Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper, Oakville AVA

The historic Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper vineyard sits at the base of the Mayacamas mountain range north of the town of Yountville and features a flat exposure on well-drained alluvial soil. Its southern location in the Oakville appellation allows for a cooler growing climate in relation to the rest of the AVA. Missouri Hopper was originally part of a large piece of land owned by George C. Yount, from whom the town of Yountville takes its name. Purchased by Charles Hopper and given to his daughter Missouri in 1877, the land was planted to wine grapes and other crops. Now owned by Beckstoffer Vineyards, the site’s 36 acres are planted with multiple clones of Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2002, the property was placed under a land conservation easement that forever prohibits non-agricultural development.

Immediately after harvesting, the grapes for our 2022 Missouri Hopper Cabernet Sauvignon were given a 3-day cold soak to extract color, tannin and flavor prior to fermentation. The juice fermented in small stainless steel tanks where it was pumped over twice a day. Fermentation lasted 17 days. The wine was transferred to 100% new French oak barrels where it aged for twenty months. It was racked once and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The 2022 vintage will be remembered for a growing season that was near ideal, with abundant early season rains and excellent spring and summer weather, culminating in what many vintners called “the tale of two harvests.” The white wine harvest kicked off in early August, followed quickly by red wine varieties. But triple digit heat over five days in early September - followed by a spate of rain - brought harvest to a sudden halt. After the rain, grapes were left to hang through October, with mild weather that allowed winemakers to await perfect ripeness. Although the harvest was challenging, winemakers describe 2022 white wines as having perfect acidity and freshness with remarkable flavors and textures. Red wines show excellent structure with deep red colors, luxurious tannins and exquisite fruit-forward aromatics.

Our Halo Cabernet Sauvignons are extremely limited production wines and are from the most distinguished sites in Napa Valley. These wines are first offered exclusively to members of our Preferred Palate Wine Club. As one of our most coveted allocations, these wines rarely make it beyond the club. To experience these site-driven expressions of Napa Valley at their debut, we invite you to explore membership and discover what it means to be part of the inner circle, learn more.