2002 Behrens Family Merlot Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
(16.3% alcohol; mostly from Yountville fruit) Medium ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry, licorice and mint, with an herbal element that reminded me of garrigue Sweet and fruit-driven; just short of porty but carries its extreme ripeness reasonably gracefully. Lively black cherry and chocolate flavors linger on the long, strong finish, along with a smokiness from the Francois Freres barrels.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The medium-bodied, ripe 2002 Merlot Napa (all from the Jaeger Vineyard) possesses good fruit and richness, but it was not singing the day I tasted it. I admire what Les Behrens, Bob Hitchcock, their wives, friends, and lunatic dog are doing at their winery and cellars on the top of Spring Mountain. They are obsessed fanatics who make wine with no compromises ... obviously my kind of people. Tel. 707-963-1774; Fax 707-963-8206