#FavouriteThings Holiday Gift Suggestions | Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles is one of California’s most pastoral domains. Its name roughly translates to “Passageway of Oaks,” and indeed, majestic trees mark the landscape. Amongst the rolling hills and native habitat lie manicured vineyards, where ideal soil exists for farming Cabernet. Dry, warm conditions are typical, yet evenings are chilled by a breeze from the Pacific Ocean just 18 miles to the west, allowing fruit to ripen into luxurious richness.

Harvest Notes

The 2020 early growing season was near normal. Rainfall occurred mainly in early winter and early spring and seasonal totals were just below average. Vine growth and berry development was typical through spring. Summer brought unusual heatwaves which slowed berry development, keeping them small with a desirable skin to juice ratio. October was warm and dry, aiding in fruit maturity. Harvest was condensed as most Paso Robles Cabernet ripened at the same time with ideal color and flavors.

Winemaking Notes

After harvesting the grapes, select vineyard lots were fermented individually in stainless steel tanks for 10-14 days. Extended macerations and carefully managed pump overs enhanced the extraction of color and tannin. The lots were aged separately for 11 months in a combination of 10% new, 25% once used, and 65% two to three times used French Oak. Through a combination of tasting and analytics our best lots were determined and the initial blend was assembled in late summer of 2021. As a whole, this blend was aged an additional two months in 75% new and 25% once used French Oak. The wine was racked just twice during its cellar life, with the final racking occurring just prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

The Austin Hope Cabernet displays a beautiful ruby hue. Enticing aromas of fresh black cherry, burnt sugar and a slight smokiness fill your glass. On the palate, flavors evolve with vanilla foam, ripe dark fruit, roasted coffee & nuances of spice. This full-bodied wine is rounded out with smooth supple tannins that are brightened with a touch of acidity to balance this crowd pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon.

“The goal for this Cabernet is simple – to make wine that expresses all that Paso has to offer, with its pastoral beauty, perfect soils, maritime climate and limitless possibility.”
– Austin Hope, Owner/Winemaker

VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon
AVA: Paso Robles (Estrella, El Pomar, Highlands, Geneseo, Creston, San Juan Creek, San Miguel, Adelaida, Templeton Gap) HARVEST: 9/29/2020 – 10/28/2020