About 2017 Austin Hope Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon:
The first Austin Hope Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is the result of extended barrel aging that has allowed the wine to develop unprecedented structure and flavour.
Tasting Notes:
The 2017 Austin Hope Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is an enticing dark crimson. Warm aromas of blueberries, roasted coffee, burnt toffee, cocoa and dried baking spices fill the glass.
On the palate, layers of fine dusty tannins are met with earthy tones, toasted cloves, creamy vanilla and a touch of bright red fruit capped by an epic firm structure.
Barrel Selection:
The young wines are barreled down into a combination of once used and neutral French Oak. Then, the lots were blended together and continued barrel aging in 75% new French Oak and an additional 6 months of ageing in 100% new French Oak.
Growing Notes:
The 2017 vintage began with reasonable weather throughout bloom and set. During the sizing phase, vineyards experienced very warm weather that affected berry growth on many varietals. In mid-September, while harvest slowed due to moderate temperatures, the prolonged ripening period maintained vine balance and higher fruit quality.
Overall, the 2017 vintage delivered yields slightly below normal while upholding our desired fruit characteristics & quality.
Harvest Date: 10/6, 11-13, 18-19, 30-31 & 11/1/17
Winemaking Notes:
The making of Austin Hope Reserve Cabernet begins with small lot fermentations separated by individual vineyard blocks which receive daily pump-overs for maximum extraction.
These lots are constantly supervised, tasted & analyzed for tannin and anthocyanins in order to determine optimal length of extended maceration after fermentation.
Once drained and pressed, the young wines are barreled down into a combination of once used and neutral French Oak.
In winter of 2019, the lots were blended together and continued barrel aging in 75% new French Oak. Just before bottling the 2017 Austin Hope Cabernet, the winemaking team tasted and selected individual barrels that displayed exceptional quality and character.
These barrels were combined together to form the AHCS Reserve. After an additional 6 months of ageing in 100% new French Oak, the wine was then bottled in Fall 2019.
About The Winery:
Austin Hope, winemaker and heir of the Hope Family Vineyards, launched his eponymous label in 2000 with a focus on Rhône varieties. In 2017, he expanded his range with Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. Hope is dedicated to producing wines of exceptional quality that accurately reflect the region’s terroir. His Cabernet Sauvignon is marked by its deep color, concentrated fruit flavor and well-integrated tannins. With his distinct style and dedication to quality, Austin Hope is a trusted name in California winemaking.