{"title":"Austin Hope","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"austin-hope-cabernet-sauvignon-2023","title":"Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from five distinct Paso Robles sub-AVAs and shaped by a distinctive two-stage French oak aging regimen, this release continues a run of critically acclaimed vintages that have regularly scored between 94 and 97 points since the label's debut in 2015.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California  |  Vintage: 2023  |  Producer: Austin Hope Winery (Hope Family Wines)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAustin Hope Winery is the flagship label of Hope Family Wines, a family-run operation rooted in Paso Robles wine country. Winemaker Austin Hope draws fruit from the Creston, Estrella, Adelaida, El Pomar, and Geneseo sub-AVAs, each contributing a different textural or aromatic dimension to the final blend. What distinguishes the production is a two-stage barrel program: individual lots rest for a minimum of 11 months in a combination of 10% new, 25% once-used, and 65% twice- or thrice-used French oak barrels; after blending, the wine returns to barrel—this time 75% new and 25% once-used French oak—for an additional three months of integration. This approach layers oak influence gradually rather than front-loading it, yielding structure without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The glass opens with freshly picked blackcurrant and ripe blackberry, followed by layers of violet, mocha, and dried baking spices. A thread of smoke and dark cherry emerges as the wine breathes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich and immediate—ripe dark fruit floods the palate, transitioning at mid-palate into roasted coffee, vanilla cream, and root-beer spice. The wine is undeniably full-bodied, yet a vein of acidity keeps the fruit from tipping into heaviness, providing lift through the mid-palate peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and layered, with smooth, supple tannins carrying nutmeg, oak spice, and lingering blackberry. The warmth of the 15% ABV becomes evident on the close, but it integrates cleanly with the wine's density and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Austin Hope Cab\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is at its most expressive when served neat in a large-bowled glass at around 62–65°F; a 20-minute decant opens up the aromatic layers significantly. For cocktail-adjacent applications, its intensity makes it a strong candidate for a bold \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built with dark stone fruits and cinnamon; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (equal parts red wine and cola over ice), where its spice and density hold up to dilution; or a winter-weight \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the existing mocha and baking-spice notes amplify warm-spice infusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a red-wine lover who gravitates toward bold, fruit-forward California Cabernets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a weekend steak dinner with friends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a reliable Paso Robles benchmark to a home cellar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a blind tasting comparing Central Coast Cabernet to Napa Valley bottlings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Austin Hope Cab taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers concentrated blackcurrant and blackberry fruit layered with mocha, vanilla, roasted coffee, and warm baking spices, all framed by smooth tannins and balancing acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Austin Hope Cab compare to DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are flagship Paso Robles Cabernets at a similar price tier, but Austin Hope tends toward darker fruit, higher oak intensity from its two-stage barrel program, and a slightly higher ABV. DAOU's estate Cabernet generally presents a more polished, medium-plus body with brighter red-fruit accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Austin Hope Cab good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely—its dense fruit, layered oak spice, and supple tannin structure make it well-suited to neat drinking, especially after a brief decant to let the aromatics open fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Austin Hope Cab made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Austin Hope Winery in Paso Robles, a major wine region on California's Central Coast, using fruit sourced from the Creston, Estrella, Adelaida, El Pomar, and Geneseo sub-AVAs within the Paso Robles appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Austin Hope Cab?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak benefits from the wine's tannin and dark fruit; braised short ribs mirror its richness and spice; aged cheddar or Gruyère complement the oak-driven vanilla notes; dark-chocolate desserts echo the mocha character; and smoked lamb chops find a natural partner in the wine's smoky undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Austin Hope Cab come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Austin Hope Cab worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-premium Paso Robles Cabernet—priced above everyday drinking wines but below single-vineyard cult bottlings. Given the multi-sub-AVA sourcing, two-stage oak program, and the label's consistent track record of critical scores in the mid-90s, it represents strong value within its tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Austin Hope Cab?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe two-stage French oak aging protocol is genuinely uncommon at this price point: aging lots individually in predominantly used barrels before finishing the blend in a majority of new oak adds complexity that a single-pass barrel program rarely achieves. Paso Robles Cabernet has steadily gained critical ground against Napa in recent years, and Austin Hope has been one of the labels most responsible for that shift, earning scores routinely in the 94–97 range across multiple vintages. The 2023 continues that trajectory with a wine that is simultaneously powerful and well-integrated, offering the kind of immediate drinkability that doesn't sacrifice structure for early appeal. For drinkers seeking a bold California Cabernet with verifiable pedigree and real winemaking ambition behind the label, this remains one of the most dependable picks from the Central Coast.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Austin Hope","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837731106985,"sku":"30872","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Austin-Hope-Cabernet-Sauvignon__71131.jpg?v=1730492332"},{"product_id":"austin-hope-quest-proprietary-red","title":"Austin Hope Quest Proprietary Red","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustin Hope Quest Proprietary Red\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Cabernet-based proprietary red blend from Paso Robles, California, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2020 vintage earned 94 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and was named among \u003cem\u003eWine \u0026amp; Spirits Magazine's\u003c\/em\u003e Top 100 Wines of 2022 — recognition that underscores its standing as one of Paso Robles' more compelling red blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, California  |  Cabernet-Based Proprietary Red Blend  |  Winery: Austin Hope \/ Hope Family Wines\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuest is produced by Hope Family Wines, a Paso Robles estate with deep roots in the region's winemaking community. The blend has historically been built around Cabernet Sauvignon with supporting lots of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Petite Sirah, though beginning with the 2023 vintage the wine is transitioning toward 100% Cabernet Franc — the result of over a decade of exploration into that grape's potential in Paso Robles' calcareous soils and wide diurnal temperature swings. Aging takes place in American oak barrels, with the winery working alongside coopers to develop custom barrel profiles tailored specifically to the wine's structure and aromatic goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with rich caramel and fudge notes before shifting into dark chocolate, cassis, and a distinctive cool-mint lift. Beneath that primary layer, subtle anise seed and herbaceous tones add complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, dark fruit — black cherry and blackcurrant — arrives immediately and expands through the mid-palate alongside milk chocolate and baking spice. The texture is full and generous, with chalky, well-integrated tannins providing structure without austerity. A thread of crisp menthol weaves through the fruit, keeping the wine's richness from becoming heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and layered, with soft, supple tannins carrying dark chocolate, espresso, and a faint leathery earthiness. Evergreen and mint notes linger well past the final sip, giving the wine a signature aromatic persistence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Quest\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine rewards time in the glass. Pour it into a large-bowled Bordeaux glass and let it breathe for 20–30 minutes before drinking neat, or decant for an hour if serving a younger vintage. While primarily a sipping wine, its bold fruit and structured tannins also make it a strong candidate for red-wine cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well with Quest's chocolate and spice notes; a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from its dark-fruit depth and minty lift; and a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e gains added body and complexity from the wine's rich mid-palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDinner parties centered around grilled red meats or braised dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Cabernet lover looking to explore Paso Robles beyond the usual suspects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a vertical collection as the blend evolves toward 100% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday night sipping sessions with a charcuterie spread and aged cheeses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Quest taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Quest delivers bold black cherry and cassis fruit layered with dark chocolate, espresso, and a distinctive mint-menthol lift, all carried by chalky, well-integrated tannins that give the wine a rich but structured feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Quest compare to Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines occupy a similar full-bodied, fruit-forward California red niche, and the two estates share a connection through a collaboration between Austin Hope and Charlie Wagner of the Caymus family. Where Caymus leans into plush, ripe Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon character, Quest draws its identity from Paso Robles terroir and a more diverse blend that increasingly features Cabernet Franc's herbaceous aromatics and cool-mint signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Quest good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its layered dark-fruit complexity, integrated tannins, and long finish make it an ideal wine to drink on its own, particularly after 20–30 minutes of breathing time in a large glass or decanter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Quest made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Quest is produced by Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles, a major wine-growing region on California's Central Coast known for its limestone-rich soils and significant day-to-night temperature variation. The fruit is estate-sourced and vinified at the winery's Paso Robles facility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Quest?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark-fruit intensity and tannic structure. Braised short ribs match its richness and chocolate undertones. Aged Gouda or Manchego echo the caramel and savory depth in the mid-palate. Dark-chocolate desserts play directly into the wine's cocoa and espresso notes. A classic lamb burger with rosemary picks up the herbaceous and mint threads.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Quest come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Austin Hope Quest Proprietary Red is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Quest worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Quest positions as a mid-premium Paso Robles red, sitting above everyday drinking wines but below the region's most limited single-vineyard bottlings. Its 94-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e rating and Top 100 recognition from \u003cem\u003eWine \u0026amp; Spirits Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e suggest strong quality relative to its price tier, making it competitive among California proprietary reds in the same range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Quest?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat sets Quest apart is its evolving identity. The wine's decade-long transition toward 100% Cabernet Franc represents a genuine winemaking conviction — a bet that Paso Robles can produce world-class expressions of a grape more commonly associated with the Loire Valley and Bordeaux's Right Bank. Custom-coopered American oak barrels designed specifically for this project reinforce that ambition. Backed by a 94-point score from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and a place on \u003cem\u003eWine \u0026amp; Spirits Magazine's\u003c\/em\u003e Top 100 list, Quest delivers the kind of distinctive, site-driven character that makes Paso Robles one of California's most exciting regions to watch.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Austin Hope","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837983649961,"sku":"36391","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Austin-Hope-Quest-Proprietary-Red__65087.jpg?v=1730503210"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/austin-hope.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}