THE STORY
Today’s post is just a simple story, but I uncovered greatness behind it. I found today’s wine at an airport hotel restaurant/bar. I was asking if another wine was a blend and the staff pointed me to this Austin Hope Troublemaker: “still stirring things up.”
ABOUT AUSTIN HOPE
Austin Hope is part of the Hope Family Wines, named 2022 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.
“Austin Hope is the mark of our family’s multigenerational legacy in Paso Robles, reserved for the finest expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon and estate Rhône varieties. These are the definitive wines from Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 American Winery of the Year.
““The goal is simple: to make wines that express everything Paso Robles has to offer, with its pastoral beauty, perfect soils, maritime climate and limitless possibility.” Austin Hope
“Winemaker Austin Hope created his namesake label in 2000, just five years after taking the helm of the family business. Austin Hope wines were initially dedicated to Rhône varieties grown at the Hope family’s estate vineyard.
“Then, in 2017, after years of exploration and only when he felt he could create something truly exceptional, Austin released his first Cabernet Sauvignon—which became an immediate standard-bearer of Paso Robles.
“Today, Austin Hope wines are synonymous with Austin’s personal quest to elevate Paso Robles on the world stage.
ABOUT TROUBLEMAKER: Still Stirring Things Up
“In Austin Hope’s younger days he was something of a troublemaker. And on those days when his schoolwork or attitude didn’t quite live up to the family’s expectations, he was sent to the vineyards for a hard day’s work meant to teach him a lesson. Little did the Hope’s know that this childhood punishment would be the beginning of a life-long passion and career. It was in those days spent in the vineyards, the Paso Robles sun beating down and his hands in the dirt, that Austin found inspiration for his life’s journey.
“Troublemaker is inspired by those early days of pushing boundaries and finding your path. Still stirring things up, we here at Troublemaker are all about challenging the status quo and embracing the journey of life. The way we see it, rules restrict our ability to create and innovate. Besides, pushing the boundaries is fun.”
Sub AVAs: Central Coast (Paso Robles – Creston/El Pomar/Estrella, Arroyo Grande Valley, Monterey)
Varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah
THE WINE
Today, I am presenting just this one wine. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
Austin Hope Troublemaker Red Blend, Central Coast AVA, $20 (#1255)
Winey Notes: “Troublemaker Blend 16 has an opaque purple color. The nose is bursting with jammy boysenberry and blackberry, along with a fresh hint of raspberry. These fruit aromas carry through to the palate and are accentuated by underlying tones of peppercorns, dried tobacco and roasted coffee. Velvety tannins and balancing acidity bring out the vibrant fruit character of this complex blend.”
“Comprised of varietals that flourish in Paso Robles’ distinct growing region, Troublemaker consists of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Zinfandel. Syrah is the backbone of the wine, setting the stage for a fruit-forward style and a full body. Petite Sirah contributes to the deep ruby color. Sweet and bright red fruit flavors of Grenache blend with the rustic and lively flavors of the Mourvèdre, while Zinfandel adds its signature zing to round out the blend.”
My Review: Dark in the glass with earth, plum and black fruits. Dark and brooding on the palate, with tobacco, plum, cassis and coffee. It’s a big, complex, heavy wine that comes at a great value. I’d like to try this again when I know it is a fresh pour. January 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
“The Austin Hope & Treana Tasting Cellar offers seated tastings with a casual, fun approach to award winning, world class wines. The spacious, unique tasting areas are a blend of eclectic décor, lounges and outdoor cabanas overlooking the estate vines. We look forward to sharing our wines, our passion and creating an exceptional experience for you. Reservations are strongly encouraged as we sell out frequently.”
Located at 1585 Live Oak Road in Paso Robles. Open 10-5 daily. You can get more information and make a reservation here.
For additional information please call 805-238-4112 or email cheers@hfwines.com
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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