An unsung gem from Paso Robles

I passed through the Paso Robles region briefly last November but didn’t have the time to stop in at Austin Hope Winery. After tasting the 2018, I’ve realized the gravity of my mistake.

The family heritage goes back to the 1930’s with Chucks Grandfather worked in a bottling business and later in beer distribution. When he passed away in 1978, Chuck and his wife Marylin decided to relocate to Paso Robles to plant apples and grapes, raising their children, Austin and Chelsea, amongst the grapevines and oak barrels. Austin and his wife now raise the third generation- Ainsley and Avery in the same environment with a focus on family values and sustainable farming practices. Today the Hope Family produce five unique labels: Liberty School, Treana, Troublemaker, Quest and of course Austin Hope.

The 2018 vintage of the Austin Hope Cabernet is the fourth release of this wildly impressive Cabernet and has a lot to live up to with the three previous vintages receiving both impressive praise and high ratings. The raised letters on the textured label and the weight of the bottle does nothing to discourage the perception of quality. The enticing nose further reinforces a sense of heightened anticipation.

OK, time to sip this wine and see if it lives up to the ‘drum roll’ … the mouthfeel is so silky smooth and friendly and inviting you don’t want to swallow it for fear of the memory not being believable in the future. This is some of the best juice I’ve drunk from Paso Robles and does much to reconfirm the region as a world class growing area and Austin Hope as a producer. Loads of ripe juicy blackberries leaving little room for the almost seamless flavors of black currant, chocolate, blueberry, plum with spices and vanilla on a long finish. It has impressive body and structure with some serious attitude. This really is an impressive wine and worthy of sharing with the best of friends. Did I mention elegant? Should cellar out to 2030 without a problem.