As Paso Robles, California has soared in number of wineries and gained in popularity, Cabernet Sauvignon has firmly taken root as the region’s number one varietal. Alone, it accounts for just over 40% of plantings and is grown throughout both the western and eastern sides of the appellation. Though viticulture here dates back to the 18th century, Cabernet Sauvignon didn’t emerge as a significant grape here until the 1970’s. But since then it has definitely made up for lost time.
The Hope family arrived in Paso Robles in 1978 in search of land and new opportunity. As they’ve planted vineyards, grown grapes and made wine over the past 30 years, Paso Robles has become a viticulture region of significance, capable of producing world-class wines. As one of the pioneering families of this distinctive wine community, the Hope family is dedicated to sustainable farming and is still family-owned and operated.
The grapes for this wine come from two distinct Paso Robles AVAs. The Estrella District is notable for its loamy, gravelly riverplain slopes and canyons, while the San Juan Creek District is situated on ancient riverplains composed of loam, gravel, and calcareous deposits. Together, these districts provide warm growing conditions and well-drained soils that draw out richness, complexity and depth in our Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.
The Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was harvested and fermented as individual vineyard lots, then transferred to a combination of 10-percent new French and American oak barrels. The wine was racked twice during the aging period for judicious aeration. It was blended in the winter of 2022 and spent a total of 16 months in oak prior to bottling in March of 2023.
A rich ruby hue fills the glass along with aromas of fresh vanilla, lush red fruit, and herbaceous nuances. On the palate, bright cherry notes mingle with warm cocoa and sweet oak. The finish is unbelievably smooth with soft tannins.