2002 Behrens Family Cabernet Sauvignon Ink Grade
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Tasting notes
(15.5%) Good full ruby. Black fruits, licorice and minerals on the nose; shows the porty surmaturite of many of the other 2002s from this winery but boasts a bit more lift than the Kenefick bottling. Fat, sweet, large-scaled and full, with brooding, medicinal flavors of cassis and black cherry. This, too, is in a rather unrefined style. Finishes with big, dusty tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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A gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the Beckstoffer-To-Kalon cuvee in 2002, is the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Ink Grade, a 375-case lot of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. Extraordinarily pure creme de cassis characteristics along with licorice, smoke, and mineral notes jump from the glass of this full-bodied red. With sensational levels of richness in addition to chocolatey espresso notes intermixed with black currant liqueur and blueberries, this beauty should age effortlessly for 15+ years. I can’t say enough good things about Behrens and Hitchcock. This is the type of winery operation that gives hope to aspiring home winemakers who want to make it in the big time. They have followed their dreams, unearthed top vineyards that were available to everybody, and are making non-interventionalistic wines of extraordinary personality and character. Tel. 707-963-1774; Fax 707-963-8206
(15.5% alcohol; includes 9% merlot) Bright, saturated ruby. Pretty aromas of blackberry, violet and mint. Juicy, intensely flavored and bright, with intriguing mineral, licorice and mint notes. Highly aromatic and saline in the mouth. Finishes firmly tannic and very long, with a late note of bitter chocolate.