Family-owned since 1978, Hope Family Wines were traditionally a producer of Rhône varietals in the heart of Paso Robles. Austin joined the family business in the 1990s and created his namesake label in 2000, continuing the tradition of big Rhône styles, but he always felt like Cabernet Sauvignon was the star of Paso. The first vintage of Cabernet was 2017, and it was an immediate success.

As wine snobs, we tend to like leaner reds, with crunchy acidity and reasonable alcohol, but wine is for all types of palates, right? For those who like concentrated, over-the-top styles of red (i.e. Caymus, Papillon, Prisoner), Austin Hope does an excellent job for a fair price. The dark lustrous fruits teeter on the edge of sweet, and the texture is mouthcoating, like a side of béarnaise. Powered by California fruit, more so than tannin, it's quintessentially Paso Robles, and that's not such a bad thing. ~Allegra A