2006 Behrens Family Erna Schein Cabernet Sauvignon Knock Out
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(includes 13% merlot) Good deep red. Currant, milk chocolate and tar on the nose, complicated by mint, pepper, red licorice and tobacco leaf nuances. Has plenty of size but comes across as distinctly dry and tight today, even a bit clenched. Began with some eucalyptus and pepper elements but seemed to grow sweeter with air, revealing floral and redcurrant flavors. Ultimately finishes with substantial dusty tannins and lingering notes of leather and pepper. Still, I'm not sure where this can go in bottle.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 2006 Knock-Out (87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot; 350 cases produced) offers smoky, meaty, black currant, bay leaf, and foresty characteristics. Deep, rich, and full-bodied with elevated glycerin, heady alcohol, and a lusty, hedonistic finish, this attention-getting red should 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