BECKSTOFFER MISSOURI HOPPER

A Beckstoffer Heritage Vineyard

Missouri Hopper Vineyard was originally planted in 1873 by Charles Hopper, who emigrated by wagon train to California with 33 others from Missouri in 1841. In 1877, Charles gifted a portion of his property to his daughter Missouri. A century later, Andy Beckstoffer purchased the ranch, naming it after the founder.

During my tenure at Beckstoffer Vineyards, I have had the privilege to work with Cabernet Sauvignon from every Beckstoffer Heritage vineyard, and Missouri Hopper is my absolute favorite. Located in the Oakville AVA just south of To Kalon, Missouri Hopper sits in a slightly cooler pocket on the western edge of Oakville AVA on the Oakville Bench, allowing for long hang time each vintage. The soil profile is Bale loam, which washed down the Mayacama Mountains over the centuries. The soils are fairly deep and gravelly. 

Missouri Hopper is the perfect example of an ideal microclimate matched with precision farming. The row orientation, open VSP trellis architecture, and no-till farming complement this special vineyard to create exceptional wines. Missouri Hopper consistently produces the darkest and most powerful wines in my portfolio, which often are the softest and most refined over time.