2020 Austin Hope Cabernet

2020 Austin Hope Cabernet

2020 Austin Hope Cabernet Deep ruby in color, Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon expresses aromas of fresh black currants and cherries accompanied by subtle smoky notes and dried spices. On the palate, this lavish powerful wine is layered with juicy blackberry, ripe cherry, vanilla bean, and brown butter. It’s full-bodied and rich, balanced by a touch of bright acidity and firm polished tannins. Winemaker

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.

I had a bottle of today’s wine last week with a few friends with great palates who love hardcore Napa Cabernet.  After a couple of glasses, one friend looked at the whole table and said “Has anyone had Austin Hope?  It’s a Caymus Clone.  I bet you that if I pour you Caymus and Austin Hope side by side, you would not be able to tell the difference.”  All eyes turned to me.  I accepted the challenge, but I could never have anticipated the result.  This wine, Austin Hope 2020 Cabernet, was Caymus.  The richness, the roundness, the unmistakable finish and aftertaste.  I immediately pulled out my phone and ordered everything I could.  When I saw the price, I nearly fell back in my chair.  This wine is $30 less a bottle than Caymus!  How have I never had this wine before?!  I am very excited to be able to offer this to our customers.  If you love Caymus, and want to share my story, get on this wine.  It has an incredibly loyal following so with the quantity I have available, it will sell out in lightning speed.  Perfect for the holiday season and colder months ahead.  Enjoy!

The winemaker is Austin Hope, who is a pioneer of Paso Robles, one of the great untouched wine regions of California.  Austin’s father, Chuck Hope, moved the family to Paso Robles in 1978 and planted grapes and apples.  They did not start making wine until the mid-90’s when the business transitioned from vineyard growing to winemaking.  At that time, Austin took over the Liberty School brand from Caymus Vineyards.  Chuck Wagner is a long time mentor to Austin, and originally purchased fruit from him to make Liberty School.  The flagship of Hope Family Wines is the Austin Hope Cabernet, and once you taste this wine, you will understand why I was so shocked.