paso-robles-wine
2022 Austin Hope “Cellar Select” Cabernet Franc – A Special Treat!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
This year’s #CabFrancMasters in Paso Robles at a dinner gathering I was seated next to Stasi Seay, Director of Vineyards at Hope Family Wines. While having had some exposure to Hope Family Wines, when the Austin Hope Cellar Select Cabernet Franc was served, I was startled by it opulence and richness. Having just completed the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition with one hundred Cabernet Franc wines participating and Austin Hope’s Quest wine being entered in the less than $40 category for California Cab Franc wines. It received Silver Medal’s from both the Professional and People’s Choice Judges. Hosting the event I never had an opportunity to taste it. Stasi mentioned that Austin Hope, owner and winemaker, had been working on this additional label (Quest) for five years before releasing it. That alone was a startling statement. I had previously tried many of their Cabernet Sauvignon wines but had very little knowledge of the scope and breath of their operation. When the Austin Hope Cellar Select Cabernet Franc was served with a chocolate molten cake with beet and vanilla anglaise then I understood that this wine was on a different level than most Cabernet Franc wines. As I previously wrote it was one of the richest and “almost chewable” wines of the evening which paired so well with the food. It was between Austin Hope and one other Cabernet Franc wine for the best of the evening, which is saying a lot as all were outstanding. Mentioning we were having a dinner party and would like to buy a bottle to share with our guests the following Friday, she was kind enough to secure a bottle and ship it to us.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled it out of the cellar three hours in advance of dinner to allow it to breathe and “warm up” for the dinner. When popping the cork, a floral boutique of aromas rushed into the olfactory senses. Later in the glass this dark and enticing color with a heavy viscosity had a brooding and mysterious allure. Upon the first sip, it was as I remembered from the #CabFrancMasters dinner, a deep and sensuous flavor of dark fruits of plum and blackberry swirled about in the mouth. This was no ordinary Cabernet Franc. Secondary flavors of dark chocolate counter balanced by a dry earthiness provided an all-encompassing experience. On the finish, layers of enjoyment and strong tannins both with some angularity and yet velvety, along with dark cherry completed the experience.
As I researched this magnificent bold and dry wine, I found out it was rated the #2 California Cabernet Franc wine today by Vivino. It sells for approximately $90/bottle, and it is an ageable wine that will only improve further! It will make my annual list of Best Wines tasted during the calendar year for 2025.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Prepared one of our favorite dishes last evening, Mediterranean beef kebabs. The recipe calls for sirloin beef but substituted filet mignon. Cut the filet mignon meat into 1 ½ inch squares and were marinated for almost two hours in the refrigerator. The ingredients for the marinade include fresh lemon juice, marjoram, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, Himalayan Sea salt, olive oil and fresh minced garlic.
Pieces of the filet mignon and vegetables were cut up to fit in the kabab grilling baskets preferred for grilling to capture all the ingredients rather than skewers. Besides the beef, two different colored bell peppers slices (yellow and orange), and purple onion slices were loaded into the baskets. Plus, fresh Rosemary. Placed on the BBQ between medium to medium-high for about 10-12 minutes rotating the baskets 90 degrees every 3 minutes. Emptied from the basket and served.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The meal was accompanied by Greek roasted potatoes in chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder and fresh oregano
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Additionally, a fresh garden salad with onion, tomato and Kalamata olives. Served with a Greek dressing.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Also sautéed asparagus with minced garlic, shallots, topped with roasted peppers and feta cheese.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Dessert for those who could possibly eat anything more were both fresh blackberries and raspberries and Milano Double Dark chocolate cookie wafers.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This meal was extremely tasty, spicy and provided a real Mediterranean experience. It was like Spain, France, Italy and Greece combined to throw a party! Combined with the exquisite wine, one of the better food and wine pairings enjoyed last evening.
The Winery
Photo Hope Family Wines website
I have yet to visit the winery but have had the opportunity to speak with many of the folks from the winery such as Austin Hope Owner/winemaker, Stasi Seay Director of Vineyards, CJ Gormley Tasting Room and many others during this years and previous #CabFrancMasters in Paso Robles. What I did not know or understand was the enormity of the breath of wine offered by the Hope Family Wines! Austin Hope who I had a conversation with at last year at #CabFrancMasters has a quote that took on new meaning after tasting this wine stating, “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.”
Photo Hope Family Wines website
Trying to sum up the Hope Family Wine offering is like taking a tour of a large luxury cruise ship. Behind each doorway and deck is waiting a new experience. So, this description is only the beginning of several on the winery. First off, the Hope Family Wines has six labels which are Austin Hope, Treana, Quest, Liberty School, Troublemaker and Austin. The wine offering is mind boggling with Graciano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Chenin Blanc, a dry Rosé, Syrah, GSM, Grenache, Verdelho, Pinot Noir, Mourvèdre, various Rhône blends, etc. Way too many wines to mention and an astonishing assortment of wines to be explored. They source from over 50 growers from Monterey to Santa Barbara. All 42 acres of their estate are SIP Certified for Sustainable practices. It is estimated that Hope Family Wines produces around 400,000 cases of wine per year.
I am already contemplating my next visit to Paso Robles and will most likely need 2 or 3 days alone to comprehend the expanse of Hope Family Wines. Truly an amazing line up of wine!
Special thanks to Stasi Seay for providing the background and scope of Hope Family Wines over dinner.
Sláinte,
Michael