Winemaker Notes
#10 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2019
Dark garnet in color, the 2017 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon expresses aromas of freshly picked blueberries, ripe black cherries, with subtle notes of roasted coffee, cocoa and dried spices. On the palate, the luscious supple tannins are powerful yet modern in style with layered flavors of juicy blackberry and red fruit, while nuances of black pepper, clove and vanilla bean round out the long smooth finish. It’s full-bodied and rich, balanced by fresh acidity and firm, polished tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This bottling remains as impressive and delicious as it did upon debut two vintages ago. Aromas of black cherry, hickory smoke and vanilla cookie lead into a palate of brown sugar, sea salt, caramel and black cherry foam, all framed by polished tannins and just enough acidity.
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Decanter
Succulent and sensual, with dark damson flavours and aromatic complexity from flowers, bramble fruits, incense and Havana cigars. Super.
As Paso Robles, California has soared in number of wineries and gained in popularity, Cabernet Sauvignon has firmly taken root as the region’s number one varietal. Alone, it accounts for just over 40% of plantings and is grown throughout both the western and eastern sides of the appellation. Though viticulture here dates back to the 18th century, Cabernet Sauvignon didn’t emerge as a significant grape here until the 1970’s. But since then it has definitely made up for lost time.
Legendary winemaker and consultant Andre Tchelistcheff first recognized Paso’s potential with Cabernet Sauvignon in the early 1960’s. The calcareous soil and dramatic diurnal temperature changes of Paso’s westside particularly intrigued him. Today modern winemaking techniques and focused experimentation with various clones, rootstocks and vineyard strategies optimize the region's ideal combination of soil and climate to deliver the best fruit possible.
The results are evident in the glass. Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon can be mesmerizing, with rich aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, black cherry, graphite, toasty oak, vanilla and spice. The structure, balance and unbridled opulence of these wines impress from first sip to last. Not surprisingly, Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignons have steadily grown in reputation, not just in the U.S., but around the world.