Austin Hope 'Quest' Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, California

Region's Showcase: The Austin Hope 'Quest' Cabernet Franc is a stellar example of Paso Robles, California's burgeoning potential in winemaking. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc highlights the region's characteristic luscious softness and depth, influenced by its mountainous, oak-studded, and maritime environment. Thriving in semi-arid rocky soils, these noble grapes give rise to a fruit-forward wine with a toasty vanilla finish and notable grippy tannins. Despite its aging in American oak barrels, 'Quest' retains a remarkable softness, mirroring the diverse and rich terrain of Paso Robles.

Winemaking Process: In crafting this exquisite blend, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes are harvested and fermented separately by individual vineyard lots, followed by aging in used American oak barrels. The wine undergoes a unique aging process, spending additional time in 65% new American oak barrels. This process culminates in a wine filtered just before bottling, ensuring a refined and polished finish. The 2021 Quest Red Wine exemplifies this method, having been aged for 11 months in oak, blended in the summer of 2022, and bottled in late September of the same year.

Tasting Experience: The Austin Hope 'Quest' Cabernet Franc Blend stands out for its intriguing and distinctive profile. The wine greets with a herbaceous nose featuring notes of anise seed, warm chocolate, and fresh mint. It offers a rich tapestry of flavors on the palate, including black fruit, dark chocolate, and a subtle earthy touch of leather. The finish is marked by soft, fine tannins and a gentle touch of acidity, which collectively balance the wine, elevating its complexity and drinkability. This blend is a testament to the unique qualities of Paso Robles' wines. Our Wine Dispensary beverage experts highly recommend it for those seeking to explore the nuances of this renowned wine region.