2006 Behrens Family Erna Schein Jersey Boy
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Tasting notes
The Erna Schein offerings start with the 2006 Jersey Boy, an innovative blend of 46% Syrah, 34% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It displays a deep ruby/purple color, earthy, meaty, black currant notes, and a slightly austere finish. Overall, it is an exuberant, fruity, straightforward style of wine to drink over the next 5-6 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
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(a blend of 46% syrah, 34% merlot, 13% cab franc and 7% petit verdot, mostly from Alder Springs fruit) Good full red-ruby. Musky raspberry, mocha and chocolate on the nose. Sweet, intense and firmly structured, with saline, meat and earth elements lifted by a firm spine of acids and tannins. Finishes slightly dry but long. I like the gamey syrah and complex soil tones here. "The 2006 and 2005 vintages have more similarities than differences," noted Les Behrens, adding that both years feature high acidity levels. This was the only 2006 in bottle as of early March.