2005 Behrens Family Erna Schein Behrens Family Reserve
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Tasting notes
(15.2% alcohol): Bright ruby-red. Deep nose offers scents of cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, mocha and licorice. Plush, ripe and sweet but not over the top, conveying good mineral lift to its dark berry, black cherry and menthol flavors. Nicely pliant, fruit-driven wine without any corners. The suavest on the finish of this trio, with fully integrated tannins and acids and excellent slow-building length.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(31% cabernet sauvignon 25% merlot, 25% cab franc and 19% petit verdot) Full red-ruby. Raspberry, tar, mocha and earth on the nose, lifted by rose petal and minty nuances. Intensely flavored and juicy, with lovely lift to the flavors of red raspberry, tobacco and sweet oak. In bottle, this is much more delicate and vibrant than it appeared to be from barrel. Finishes with substantial broad, ripe tannins and excellent persistence.
Medium ruby. Liqueur-like aromas of cassis, black cherry, smoke and mocha. Large-scaled, thick and sweet, with a distinctly chewy, three-dimensional quality to the black fruit flavors. And yet this big boy is nicely balanced and the tannins are sweet. Very long on the back end.
The 2005 Behrens Family Reserve is a 400-case blend of 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. A saturated ruby/purple color and blackberry as well as charcoal notes emerge from this full-bodied 2005. Low acidity, ripe tannin, and abundant texture and opulence are classic elements of Behrens wines. This fun, innovative offering is loaded with character, purity, and richness. Not yet released. Tel. (707) 963-1774; Fax (707) 963-8206