Adult Time (aka Austin Hope, Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021)

Bart here. My daughter and son-in-law are in Spain, and my wife and I have her four children (ages 1 to 9) for 7 wonderfully chaotic days!

5:30 AM - Pitter patter of little feet in the hall, “Grandma!” Breakfast, cartoons, dressing moving targets, games, puzzles, drawing and coloring masterpieces, Spiderman, changing clothes, cowboys and Indians, stroller rides, playgrounds, go-kart restoration, perler beads, dance, soccer, softball, T-ball, regular meals,  snacks and toileting, homework, baths, brushing out hair, PJ’s, Storytime… Adults divide and attempt to conquer.  By mid-afternoon adult conversation is hand gestures, eye movements, and text messages.

Day 5 -After the last bedtime story, my wife looked a bit harried, fatigued, and wanting.  As she moved through the ransacked house, she gave me that look: that the leftover rosé I was enjoying was not going to cut it. She needed a big wine to envelop her, relax her mind, and recharge her batteries.  She needed one that was bigger and more complex, but demanding no real thought or attention.  One creating a quiet comfortable place, akin to two sitting together quietly, holding hands and just relaxing.  She needed 30 minutes of comfortable peace and quiet!

So, I pulled a 2021 Austin Hope Cabernet from Paso Robles.  One of her favorites.  It is a deep, dark ruby color with dark, stained legs. It smells of black currents, blackberries and ripe black cherries.  On the palate, this fruit is juicy with layers of cedar and vanilla.  It’s full bodied and rich with prominent but smooth tannins for a long finish. Just the ticket to mellow out another busy day.   I’m not sure she knew I was there. Mission accomplished.

5:30 AM - Pitter patter of little feet in the hall, “Grandma!” …. Hope Katie and Scott’s plane is not delayed.  

In a nutshell,

The wine: Bart says A-, Melissa says A

The price: $65 at Jacob Liquor

Would we buy it again? Bart doesn’t really have a say in this. Yes.