2006 Behrens Family Erna Schein Everything But...The Kitchen Sink

A blockbuster effort, the 2006 Everything But...The Kitchen Sink is a blend of 44% Syrah, 29% Petite Sirah, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot (who thinks up these blends?). Sensational aromas of smoke, meat, bouquet garni, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, and asphalt soar from the glass of this explosively aromatic red. Deep, full-bodied, and layered with tremendous opulence, loads of glycerin, and a superb finish, this stunning 2006 can be consumed over the next 7-8 years. Known as Behrens and Hitchcock until the departure of Bob Hitchcock, this artisinal winery on the top of Spring Mountain has changed its name to Erna Schein. The proprietors, Les and Lisa Behrens, continue to fine tune an intriguing portfolio of wines. Because of disappointing results from synthetic closures, they have now gone back to traditional cork. Lisa is widely regarded as one of Napa’s most capable viticulturists, and appears to have a knack for finding forgotten vineyard treasures. In addition to the name change, the Behrens seem to be moving away from varietal names, using instead a series of colorful, often provocative labels. All the following wines are flavorful, exuberant, full-bodied offerings made with indigenous yeasts, and are bottled unfined and unfiltered. They represent true low-tech wines. Tel. (707) 963-1774; Fax (707) 963-8206