The SOMM Journal

February / March 2016

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{ SOMMjournal.com }  55 across all of our labels we've been able to make blends, that I think are more interest- ing," says Hope. When asked how they find these new vineyards, Hope focuses on the soils. "After we establish a Treana vineyard site, we dig soil pits on those sites for analy - ses. Then, I pull out all of my USGS maps of the region to see what other parts of Paso Robles contain those soil types, and we go out for a drive." Since maps aren't a guarantee, they would identify the right soil properties in person, then approach the property owners to lease the land. Pursuing the Dream It's clear from the Hope Family Wines port- folio, with five successful brands—Treana, Liberty School, Austin Hope, Candor and Troublemaker—each with a different focus and goal in the marketplace, that Austin Hope has difficulty with the status quo. "I'm never satisfied," said Hope, "I always get enamored by a new wine that I taste and it pushes me to try new things in the winery." Even in the vineyards they work with, Hope is constantly pushing the farming team to implement new techniques. "That's one of the beautiful things about this industry is that you're never done," Hope said, "We're always pushing, how can we get better, what can we do different?" So what does the future hold for Treana and Hope Family Wines? "I'm a dreamer, so I just love creating," said Hope smiling. Hope is optimistic that his daughters, Ainsley, 12, and Avery, 10, will soon join the family busi - ness. "This year, they've really taken interest, which I think is pretty cool. I have them in meetings now . . . they were making wine with me this year," says Hope, smiling. With new ideas constantly in the works, includ - ing a new whiskey brand called Highspire, that's made from 100% heirloom rye in a style similar to wine, and a corn-based vodka called Loaded, distilled in Kansas City, there's no telling what Austin will do next. Regardless, it's a guarantee that their adventure will continue. Treana 2013 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($24) This is a new release for the Treana lineup that walks the line between an oaked Chardonnay and a stainless steel Chardonnay. The nose is subtle with hints of sweet corn and Braeburn apples. Lush flavors of yellow stone fruit and pineapple up front with nuances of almond paste and a long, lingering finish. Treana 2013 White, Central Coast ($24) A very pretty wine with aromas of honeysuckle, white flower, warm milk simmering on the stove and hints of ripe pineapple. The mouthfeel is similar in weight to whole milk with flavors of apricot and wildflower honey but held up by stellar acidity that carries the flavors all the way through the palate with hints of mandarin orange. 50% Marsanne, 50% Viognier. Treana 2013 Red, Central Coast ($45) Juicy with hints of menthol, coffee, white peppercorns, blackberry jam and bacon fat on the nose. The wine is deceiving like a reverse mullet—party in the front, business in the back. It coats the mouth with flavors of juicy, ripe, black fruit up front and then evolving on the mid-palate with great structure, spice and tannin. This is a serious yet very approachable wine. The extended maceration allows the flavors time to develop creating a rich mouthfeel and silky tannins. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah. The Paso Robles AVA (now with 11 sub-AVAs) on California's Central Coast is home to Hope Family Wines. "As this area matures, there's new plantings, new clones—we're like kids in a candy store really," says Austin Hope. MAP COURTESY OF PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE

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