2013 Behrens Family Erna Schein The Front Man
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The 2013 Merlot Front Man, which includes 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, is relatively dense purple in color. Deep, rich and concentrated, this is one of my favorite wines of their portfolio. It is a terrific example of Merlot. Plenty of berry fruit, a full-bodied opulence, stunning purity and a deep, layered finish make for quite a splendid example of Merlot to drink over the next 15 or so years.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The Merlot-based 2013 Front Man is ripe, juicy and absolutely delicious. Sweet red cherry, raspberry, spice and mint are all pushed forward in a racy, voluptuous wine that shows the more overt side of the vintage. I imagine the 2013 will drink well pretty much upon release. Today it is particularly expressive. The Frontman emerges from a site on the southern edge of Napa Valley.
The 2013 Frontman is at its first plateau of maturity. Cedar, tobacco, mint, leather, dried herbs and espresso lend notable aromatic presence. I would not push my luck too much with further aging, but the 2013 has arrived at its tenth birthday in style. The blend is 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon.