Troublemaker Blend 3 by Austin Hope, Paso Robles

Watching our new cat Daisy tear around the living room, jump on one couch, jump to the other and dismount off the back of the couch, I have to wonder what we’ve gotten ourselves into. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a young cat and I’ve forgotten the energy they exude during a typical day. This week I’ve caught her drinking out of the toilet, attempting to get outside to catch a squirrel, sitting in the windowsill and meowing loudly while I was on a conference call. At 4:00 AM I was awakened to her usual morning Crazy Daisy routine while I was doing my usual, trying to fall back asleep while waiting for the sound of a crash. All in all, we did get very lucky; she’s very affectionate and seems rather smart. Now we’re considering getting her a playmate, just hope we don’t bring home a troublemaker. However, there is one troublemaker I wouldn’t mind bringing home again, Troublemaker by Austin Hope of Hope Family Wines.

Earthy and wild cherry aromas. Flavors of dark fruits, more cherry and blackberry wash over the palate. Medium bodied with a round texture, the finish is long and smooth. It’s one of those wines that envelopes you in velvet and keeps you warm on a cold winter night.

Varietal – 55% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah

Region – Paso Robles
Aging – French Oak (30%) 12 mos
Vintage – 2009 (40%), 2010 (60%)
SRP - $20

Following in his father’s footsteps, Austin Hope is now head winemaker and President of Hope Family Wines. After moving to Paso Robles with his family in the 1970’s, he began working the vineyards with his father at the age of eight. Following the advice of his father, Chuck Hope, Austin jumped at the opportunity to work under Chuck Wagner, founder of Caymus, and further his knowledge of winemaking. This spawned a desire to not only grow the grapes but to produce the wine as well. After graduating from Cal Poly with a fruit science degree, Austin spent time in Rhone Valley studying their vineyards and learning their winemaking techniques.

Troublemaker is a blend of Rhone inspired varietals grown 100% in Paso Robles. Hope Family Wines sources grapes from California’s Central Coast. A long-standing relationship with growers provides for consistent quality grapes. The growers are not faceless resources but instead are strong friendships. So much of the wine business has moved from family owned wineries to corporate business and bottom lines, it’s nice to share stories of families working with families to produce great wines.   

Stay posted on when and if we bring a second cat home to join our family. I’m sure there will be many stories to tell.

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

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