Behrens and Hitchcock Labor Of Love, Napa Vally, USA

貝希義工干紅葡萄酒

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：1865

The 2011 Proprietary Red Labor of Love is composed of 75% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. Floral, blue, red and black fruit aromas emerge from this dense purple-colored 2011. Not the biggest wine in this portfolio, it is elegant and fragrant with sweet tannin, abundant fruit, attractive glycerin and a provocative, striking style. Cabernet Franc can achieve wonderful heights in Napa Valley, and it is good to see more and more people catching on to its glories in this sun-drenched viticultural area. Drink this beauty over the next decade. The always interesting, creative Behrens Family operation high on Spring Mountain has fashioned another enticing portfolio of wines with some of the most creepy and funny labels in the wine business. The labels often belie just how serious this estate is about its vineyards and the quality of its wines. Tel. (707) 963-1774

The Cabernet Franc-based 2010 Red Blend Labor of Love is one of the more tightly wound wines in this lineup. Precise and beautifully articulated, the 2010 stands out for its length and sheer purity of fruit. Anise, roses, and raspberry jam are some of the aromas and flavors that flow through to the bright, nuanced finish. There is a centeredness to the 2010 that is highly appealing. Labor of Love is 78% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. The Behrens Family Cabernets are all about textural richness and sheer opulence, qualities all of these wines have in spades. Tel. (707) 963-1774

The 2009 Labor of Love is 67% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot. The wine emerges from the glass with juicy dark cherries, plums, licorice and tobacco. I find striking inner perfume, soft, opulent fruit and fabulous overall balance. Mocha, espresso and grilled herbs are layered into the finish. The Cabernet Franc is most evident in the wine's aromatics. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Behrens Family Winery. These bold, racy wines are long on exuberance and sheer personality. Tel. (707) 963-1774; www.ernaschein.com