2011 Behrens Family Labor of Love Martinez Vineyard

(75% cabernet franc, 17% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of black fruits, licorice and violet are complicated by subtle notes of truffle and game. Tightly wound and backward but not austere, with a distinctly savory character to the penetrating flavors of dark berries, pepper, brown spices, bitter chocolate and sexy oak. Harmonious acidity and building tannins give the wine excellent underlying structure. This very fine-grained blend needs time to soften in bottle.

Dark red cherries, plums, mint, sweet spices, herbs and juniper berries meld together in the 2011 Red Blend Labor of Love. Espresso, menthol tar and licorice notes add complexity on the layered, expressive finish. The 2011 is 75% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot, all from Martinez Vineyard on Pritchard Hill.

The 2011 Proprietary Red Labor of Love is composed of 75% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. Floral, blue, red and black fruit aromas emerge from this dense purple-colored 2011. Not the biggest wine in this portfolio, it is elegant and fragrant with sweet tannin, abundant fruit, attractive glycerin and a provocative, striking style. Cabernet Franc can achieve wonderful heights in Napa Valley, and it is good to see more and more people catching on to its glories in this sun-drenched viticultural area. Drink this beauty over the next decade. The always interesting, creative Behrens Family operation high on Spring Mountain has fashioned another enticing portfolio of wines with some of the most creepy and funny labels in the wine business. The labels often belie just how serious this estate is about its vineyards and the quality of its wines. Tel. (707) 963-1774