Copper Bear
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper"
Oakville AVA
Auction 29 | Lot No. 31
Vintage: 2023
Copper Bear
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville
5 cases produced
Highlights
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard
- Crafted by Beckstoffer Vineyards winemaker Jesse Giacomelli
- Aging 22 months in new French oak
- The wine shows perfumed aromatics, refined soft tannins and exceptional concentration
Description
Copper Bear’s ethos is rooted in crafting small-lot wines from Napa Valley’s historic grand cru vineyards, and the 2023 vintage exemplifies this commitment. Winemaker Jesse Giacomelli has worked with all of Andy Beckstoffer’s iconic heritage vineyards, yet Missouri Hopper in Oakville holds a special place as his favorite. This vineyard consistently delivers remarkable concentration, and the mild 2023 growing season allowed for extended hangtime, enhancing the wine’s depth and complexity.
The result is a wine of extraordinary character, showcasing dark fruit, velvety tannins and an exceptionally long finish. Selected from the finest French oak barrel of the lot, this Premiere Napa Valley wine embodies the pinnacle of Jesse’s winemaking craft— and possibly his best creation to date.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
Jesse Giacomelli
Winemaker, Copper Bear
Copper Bear Wines is the creative endeavor of Jesse Giacomelli, winemaker for Beckstoffer Vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley. With an annual production of about 500 cases, Copper Bear is dedicated to crafting small-lot, complex wines that showcase Napa Valley’s most historic vineyards, including the renowned Beckstoffer Georges III and Missouri Hopper vineyards.
After earning a Master’s degree in Viticulture & Enology at UC Davis, Jesse honed his skills as a winemaker at a small boutique winery in Alexander Valley. This experience led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work as winemaker for Andy Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards. Over the next several years, Jesse immersed himself in understanding Beckstoffer’s farming techniques, soil types and terroir, all while refining his winemaking craft in the heart of Napa Valley. The natural next step was to create his own small, handcrafted brand, and so, Copper Bear was born.
Country born: United States
Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years
Adams & Spencer Fine Wines
807M S. Orlando Avenue
Winter Park FL 32789
407-733-9463
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Adams & Spencer Fine Wines:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Cat Wines | 2023 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 29 (2025) | |
| Copper Bear | 2023 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper | 29 (2025) |
| Hertelendy Vineyards | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Luxe | 25 (2021) |
| Ovid. Napa Valley | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | MMXIX | 25 (2021) |
| Arrow&Branch | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Vine Hill Ranch | 24 (2020) |
| Hertelendy Vineyards | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Chef d'Oeuvre | 24 (2020) |
| Etude | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 23 (2019) | |
| Hertelendy Vineyards | 2017 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Arose | 23 (2019) |
| Arrow&Branch | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard | 22 (2018) |
| Boeschen Vineyards | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Gullwing Amalgam | 22 (2018) |
| Boich Family Cellar | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Proprietor’s Barrel | 22 (2018) |
| Chateau Boswell Winery | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Focus on the Sublime | 21 (2017) |
| JAX Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Estate Block 3 | 21 (2017) |
| Jones Family Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Two Decades | 21 (2017) |
| Cakebread Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Joseph Phelps Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Backus Vineyard | 20 (2016) |
| Paul Hobbs | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Nathan Coombs Estate, Block 5 | 20 (2016) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | The Magic | 20 (2016) |
| Alpha Omega | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Dr. To Kalon | 19 (2015) |
| Anomaly Vineyards | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 19 (2015) | |
| Larkmead Vineyards | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Centuries | 19 (2015) |
| Seavey Vineyard | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 19 (2015) | |
| BRAND Napa Valley | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Double Horseshoes | 18 (2014) |
| Stone The Crows | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 18 (2014) |
Winery Distribution
Copper Bear is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- Arizona (Blazer Beverage)
- New York (SoilAir Selection)