With five distinct brands, the Hope Family has been farming grapes for over 33 years in Paso Robles. Austin Hope is a third generation farmer and first generation winemaker. In 1978, at the age of eight, he relocated to Paso Robles when his family purchased a ranch in Paso Robles, planting it to apple orchards and vineyards. After the passing of his uncle Paul, Austin became an integral part of the winery at age 23. He was recognized as the Paso Robles Wine Industry “Person of the Year” in 2018.

This is the third vintage for the Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon. It follows in the footsteps of the remarkable 2107 and 2018 vintages, which were both acknowledged as one of the world’s top ten wines. Winemaker Jason ‘JC’ Diefenderfer is credited with the success of the Austin Hope brands since 1998. The 2019 is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Petite Sirah. This opaquely colored cuvèe is well proportioned with aromas of dried flowers. It is voluptuous on the palate with a generous concentration of baked blueberry cobbler, boysenberry compote and chocolate covered cherries infused with a hint of cedar and roasted coffee. The mid-palate is exceedingly creamy with well-polished tannins that lead you to a long and memorable ending.

By W Peter Hoyne