2020 Austin Hope Cabernet Paso Robles

Vineyard Notes:

The 2020 early growing season was near normal. Rainfall occurred mainly in early winter and early spring and seasonal totals were just below average. Vine growth and berry development was typical through spring. Summer brought unusual heatwaves which slowed berry development, keeping them small with a desirable skin to juice ratio. October was warm and dry, aiding in fruit maturity. Harvest was condensed as most Paso Robles Cabernet ripened at the same time with ideal color and flavors.

Winemaker Notes:

After harvesting the grapes, select vineyard lots were fermented individually in stainless steel tanks for 10-14 days. Extended macerations and carefully managed pump overs enhanced the extraction of color and tannin. The lots were aged separately for 11 months in a combination of 10% new, 25% once used, and 65% two to three times used French Oak. Through a combination of tasting and analytics our best lots were determined and the initial blend was assembled in late summer of 2021. As a whole, this blend was aged an additional two months in 75% new and 25% once used French Oak. The wine was racked just twice during its cellar life, with the final racking occurring just prior to bottling