The 2018 growing season gave us near-normal rainfall and mild conditions through spring with only a few weeks of exception. July brought a short period of very warm weather that slowed vine growth and berry sizing. Fortunately, moderate weather for the remainder of the growing season enabled vines to thrive.

Fresh muddled blueberries, burnt sugar, vanilla bean and a hint of wet leather.

Dark fruit, coco powder, grated clove and additional vanilla; a result from the extended New French Oak aging.

Inky Crimson

In the early Fall of 2019, the lots were blended together and continued barrel aging in 75% new French Oak. Just before bottling the 2018 Austin Hope Cabernet, the winemaking team tasted and selected individual barrels that displayed exceptional quality and character. These barrels were combined together to form the Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. After an additional 6 months of aging in 100% new French Oak, the wine was then bottled in Summer 2020.

Leading up to harvest, the vines slow berry maturity was ideal for "hang time" resulting in predicted yields, high fruit quality with amazing color and structure.