2009 Behrens Family Labor of Love Martinez Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Brooding aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice, minerals and mint are accented by a violet note from the dominant Cabernet Franc component. Highly concentrated and lively, with its black fruit flavors complicated by savory soil tones. The wine's sexy sweetness is nicely buffered by harmonious acidity, which gives thrust to the middle palate. Still quite unevolved but not at all hard. Finishes with substantial firm, fine-grained, nicely integrated tannins, a note of bitter chocolate and captivating rising violet perfume. This impressive blend still has a lot of positive evolution ahead of it. (15.2% alcohol)
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Labor of Love is 67% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot. The wine emerges from the glass with juicy dark cherries, plums, licorice and tobacco. I find striking inner perfume, soft, opulent fruit and fabulous overall balance. Mocha, espresso and grilled herbs are layered into the finish. The Cabernet Franc is most evident in the wine's aromatics.
The 2009 Labor of Love is 67% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot. The wine emerges from the glass with juicy dark cherries, plums, licorice and tobacco. I find striking inner perfume, soft, opulent fruit and fabulous overall balance. Mocha, espresso and grilled herbs are layered into the finish. The Cabernet Franc is most evident in the wine's aromatics. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Behrens Family Winery. These bold, racy wines are long on exuberance and sheer personality. Tel. (707) 963-1774; www.ernaschein.com
(this new wine from Erna Schein is a blend of 67% cabernet franc, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 13% petit verdot, all from Pritchard Hill fruit): Good bright ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and graphite on the nose. Impressively lush for cabernet franc, with impressive shape and structure and lovely violet lift to the middle palate. This very suave wine finishes broad, with sweet tannins and terrific floral persistence. Today these 2009s from barrel are showing captivating creaminess of texture and stuffing.