2010 Behrens Family Labor of Love Martinez Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Good medium ruby. Musky scents of currant, mocha, licorice and wild herbs, plus an element of nutty oak. Then surprisingly supple and sweet, with a rather open-knit texture giving it immediate appeal. Currant, raspberry jam and dark chocolate flavors dominate any green components. A wine of moderate rather than outstanding concentration and complexity, this Cabernet Franc-dominated blend finishes with broad, dusty, slightly drying, building tannins. I'm not sure where this bottle can go from here, as there's more chocolate than floral lift from the Cabernet Franc.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(78% cabernet franc, 14% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot): Bright medium ruby. Brooding aromas of black fruits and violet. Tightly wound and floral, showing great intensity, tension and grip to its flavors of blackberry, violet, licorice, mocha and cola. Slightly dominated by its spine today but finishes with impressive medicinal reserve, tooth-dusting tannins and captivating lingering perfume. Les Behrens ages the cabernet franc component in new Nadalie barrels with a Burgundy toast. Entirely from Pritchard Hill fruit.
The Cabernet Franc-based 2010 Red Blend Labor of Love is one of the more tightly wound wines in this lineup. Precise and beautifully articulated, the 2010 stands out for its length and sheer purity of fruit. Anise, roses, and raspberry jam are some of the aromas and flavors that flow through to the bright, nuanced finish. There is a centeredness to the 2010 that is highly appealing. Labor of Love is 78% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot.
The Cabernet Franc-based 2010 Red Blend Labor of Love is one of the more tightly wound wines in this lineup. Precise and beautifully articulated, the 2010 stands out for its length and sheer purity of fruit. Anise, roses, and raspberry jam are some of the aromas and flavors that flow through to the bright, nuanced finish. There is a centeredness to the 2010 that is highly appealing. Labor of Love is 78% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. The Behrens Family Cabernets are all about textural richness and sheer opulence, qualities all of these wines have in spades. Tel. (707) 963-1774