A new addition to the Erna Schein portfolio, the 2007 Sainte Fumee delights us with aromas of black licorice, saltwater taffy, telecherry pepper and the minerality of wet stones. Dark yet vivid purple in color, this wine offers flavors of sweet cassis and plums with a hint of smoky bacon. Complex, yet fun – deep, yet balanced with a bright acidity, this is a food wine, a party wine, our own Angel of Meat if you will ... 70% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Petit Verdot. 370 cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
Dec. 2008 (91 points) – Robert Parker
... the 2007 Sainte Fumee (382 cases) boasts an inky/purple color in addition to a floral-infused blackberry and blueberry-scented nose with a hint of toasty oak. Considerable power, elevated glycerin, a fleshy, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long finish suggest it will drink well for 5-7 years.

 

Fat Boy is back, with an updated look and all of the power and richness of its predecessors. This wine exhibits a deep, dark ruby color with an intriguing nose of cocoa powder, clove, tobacco and cedar. Great structure and unctuous texture are complemented by the mouth-filling flavors of chocolate cherry cordial and espresso, all leading to an earthy finish of vanilla, leather and violets. 56% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc. 375 cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
Dec. 2008 (90 points) – Robert Parker
The outstanding 2006 Fat Boy exhibits espresso, coffee, black cherry jam, charcoal, and pain grille characteristics. As its name suggests, this is a fat, succulent wine with loads of fruit, glycerin, purity, and length. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years.

Wine Spectator
Online Only 2009 (92 points) – Tim Fish
Sleek and stylish, yet complex, offering red currant, clove and spice notes, with rich, layered black cherry, mocha and espresso flavors that take on momentum toward ripe but deep tannins. Drink now through 2014.

 

A deep, black/red color graces the glass, as the nose announces itself from a distance. Earthy scents of the dark forest oor blend with aromas and avors of meat grilling with sage and mushrooms. The flavors are explosive and add dark fruits, cherry and cocoa to this ne wine. The mouthfeel is lush, yet bright and has great balance. A long nish of plum and lavender is your “just desserts”. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 350 cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #162
Dec. 2005 (91-93 points) – Robert Parker
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Left Blank (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits classic creme de cassis characteristics along with hints of minerals, new saddle leather, graphite, and smoke. Rich, full-bodied, and superbly concentrated with a seamless integration of wood, acidity, alcohol, and tannin, it should drink well for 8-12 years.

 

This wine has a very dark garnet color. The nose is a complex, nutty bouquet with hints of violets, currants, mint and dusty oak. The body of this wine is built to age well and opens up beautifully in the glass. Balance and structure create an elegant wine with dark berry, huckleberry and red currant flaavors with a long, lingering finish. 80% Cab Sauv, 10% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. A blend from three of the Napa Valleys premier vineyards. 250 cases produced.

It started with the 1999 Oakville Cab, (Parker: 95-98 points) and ends with this 2004 Farewell Cuvee. Six powerhouse wines from the famous To-Kalon vineyard. This finalnal edition is all that you could expect. From start to finnish, this is a voluptuous, soft and elegant wine, with great balance and round tannins. The bouquet is loaded with aromas of caramel corn and black cherry. Dark chocolate, black berries and hints of nutmeg and all spice dominate the palate, and, in lieu of a “finish,” we felt an “after-glow”. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. 291 cases.

Wine Spectator
Online Only 2009 (92 points) – James Laube
Well-made in a superripe style, with ripe plum, berry jam and anise. Starts out smooth and concentrated, then firms up on the finish, where this shows a touch of heat and cedary oak. Drink now through 2016.

The Wine Advocate #162
Dec. 2005 (91-93 points) – Robert Parker
The deep ruby/purple-hued 2004 Farewell Cuvée is the estate’s last offering made from Beckstoffer Vineyard fruit. While tannic, rich, concentrated, and promising, it is not as impressive as the Beckstoffer Vineyard Cabernets produced in 2003 or 2001. It will unquestionably need time as this appears to be the most tannic, backward cuvee of the 2004 vintage from Les Behrens. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018.

 

Dare we say, the Knock Out delivers a powerful 1 - 2 punch. Up front, this wine is big and bold with aromas of all spice and clove. Round 2: the mid-palate is thick with flavors of chocolate, blueberries, espresso and plum cake. This all rounds into a pretty finish of cedar and vanilla. Throw in the towel, and drink it ‘til you hit the mat! 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot. 350 Cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
December 2008 (92 points) – Robert Parker
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.

Wine Spectator
February 4, 2009 (92 points) – James Laube
Intense and structured, with spicy currant, cedar, cigar box and dried berry fruit that’s tightly wound, full-bodied and focused, ending with hints of licorice and nutmeg. Drink now through 2017.

 

True to its name the 2006 Kitchen Sink is a creative blend of various lots which come together to make a beautifully balance wine. With a saturated, dense purple/black color, it is full of spicy aromas of vanilla and cinnamon toast. Flavors of cassis, chocolate, plums and other chewy dark fruit flavors coat your mouth and linger into a supple, round finish. 44% Syrah, 29% Petite Sirah, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. 395 Cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
December 2008 (94 points) – Robert Parker
A blockbuster effort, the 2006 Everything But...The Kitchen Sink is a blend of 44% Syrah, 29% Petite Sirah, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot (who thinks up these blends?). Sensational aromas of smoke, meat, bouquet garni, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, and asphalt soar from the glass of this explosively aromatic red. Deep, full-bodied, and layered with tremendous opulence, loads of glycerin, and a superb finish, this stunning 2006 can be consumed over the next 7-8 years.

Wine Spectator
Online Only 2009 (91 points) – James Laube
Enticing spice, wild berry and blackberry fruit is pure, crisp and layered, with touches of mineral, clean leather, tobacco and sage-herbal scents. Full-bodied, balanced, complex and elegant, with firm tannins. Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2014.

 

2006 Spare Me, a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot, exhibits a gorgeous, deep garnet color. The wine jumps out of the glass with a nose of orchids, violets and Asian spice. With beautifully balanced acidity and lush integrated tannins, flavors of blueberry, red raspberry and resin are all wrapped up in a long vanillin finish. 380 Cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
December 2008 (91 points) – Robert Parker
Composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot, the 380-case cuvee of 2006 Spare Me possesses a dense ruby/purple hue, aromas of underbrush, black cherries, black currants, smoke, and background wood, medium to full body, and an elegant style. It represents a California version of a ripe St.-Emilion. It, too, should last for a decade or more.

Wine Spectator
February 4, 2009 (93 points) – James Laube
Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce aromas stretch the flavors and give this a measure of complexity, joining dense dried currant, wild berry and savory herb flavors. Dense and concentrated, this is very young and tight now. Best from 2010 through 2017.

  

The 2006 Cemetery again comes from one of our favorite ’plots’ in St. Helena. The wine exudes aromas of coffee, violets, earth and minerals. With a dark garnet color and a brooding but balanced richness. Silky tannins lead to focused flavors of raspberry cordial, cassis and smoky spice. It’s to die for! 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot. 370 Cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
December 2008 (94 points) – Robert Parker
Another Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated offering, the 2006 Cemetery (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, all from David Abreu’s vineyards) displays a stunning bouquet of graphite, smoked herbs, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, chocolate, and toasty oak. The outstanding aromatics are followed by a lavishly rich, extravagantly fruit-driven wine with superb body, richness, and texture as well as a compelling, hedonistic appeal. It should drink well for a decade or more.

Wine Spectator
February 4, 2009 (92 points) – James Laube
Rustic, with a pleasant earthy edge to the dried currant, blackberry, sage and savory herbal notes. Full-bodied, complex and wellfocused, ending with a long finish. Drink now through 2016.

 

Thanks to a near-perfect ripening season at the Alder Springs Vineyard in 2006, we have enjoyed watching this wine’s development into the lush, ripe and meaty Syrah that comes from this vineyard in its very best years. The nose hits you with the sweet spiciness of Chinese Spareribs, honey and violets. The soft yet solid tannins contribute to the velvety texture of this wine. Rich and opulent flavors take you a couple of spins around the flavor wheel, through spiced plums, clove and eucalyptus into a rich, long finish of espresso, tar and a lovely smokiness. 84% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. 300 cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
December 2008 (93 points) – Robert Parker
Another brilliant effort from Lisa and Les Behrens is the 2006 Homage to Ed Oliviera Alder Sp rings Vineyard. This 300-case cuvee of 84% Syrah and 16% Petite Sirah displays black and blue fruits, raspberries, lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, and wet stones. Dense, full-bodied, lush, and succulent, revealing oodles of fruit and glycerin as well as a hedonistic, blockbuster, fruit-driven style, it should age effortlessly for 5-10 years.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May/Jun 2008 (90-92 points) – Stephen Tanzer
Bright, full ruby. Sappy aromas of blackberry, violet, orange zest, pepper and licorice. Lush, broad and full, with chewy flavors of black fruits, bitter chocolate and tar. A big, chewy mouthful of wine, finishing with huge but ripe tannins and a late note of licorice. I find this more pliant and better balanced than the 2005 version.

Wine Spectator
November 19, 2008 (93 points) – James Laube
Intense and concentrated, with well-structured exotic leather, spice box, beefy wild berry and blackberry fruit that picks up a note of tobacco and cedar. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins. Drink now through 2016.

 

The 2006 Jersey Boy is a spicy and complex follow up to the inaugural 2005. As with the 2005, this wine comes primarily from the famed Alder Springs Vineyard, with just a touch of Petit Verdot from Kenefick Ranch. This wine has a beautiful dark garnet color with a nose that opens up to floral aromas of orchid and violet and moves on to notes of sage and Asian Spice. The mouthfeel is lush and balanced with plenty of stuffing. Focused flavors of black cherry, tamarind and sassafras follow through to a plum and cardamom finish. 46% Syrah, 34% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. 330 cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
December 2008 (88 points) – Robert Parker
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.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May/Jun 2008 (91 points) – Stephen Tanzer
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.

 

The Spring Mountain District Petite Sirah is yet another 2006 that leaves us gushing about the layers of sweet and rich spice. A gorgeous purple/black color with edges of magenta, the wine exudes marvelous aromas of holiday spice, cinnamon, clove and telicherry. This is a powerful wine with silky tannins and a solid structure to support the flavors of cola, cassis, espresso and sweet, smoky oak. 92% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. 300 cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #180
December 2008 (90 points) – Robert Parker
The 2006 Petite Sirah Spring Mountain is a tannic, backward effort exhibiting notes of incense, acacia flowers, and blueberries along with some sweet tannins. The color is a nearly impenetrable purple, and the wine will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age. It should keep for 15 or more.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May/Jun 2008 (89-91 points) – Stephen Tanzer
Full ruby. Reticent but pure aromas of cassis, black pepper and licorice, with a distinctly resiny, tarry lift. Rather suave on entry, then tightly wound and uncompromisingly dry in the middle, with the peppery character carrying through onto the palate and tannic aftertaste. Behrens referred to this one as "the angel of meat." It would make a perfect accompaniment to a pepper-encrusted steak.

Wine Spectator
Online Only 2009 (91 points) – MaryAnn Worobiec
Charming and fragrant, with pepper and lavender notes and full-bodied flavors of blackberry, licorice and huckleberry that are dark, intense and chewy. Despite the concentration of flavors, this retains an air of elegance, with a long finish. Drink now through 2014.

  

Caramelized aromas of sassafras, black licorice and crème brulee jump from the glass of the 2005 Front Man. The palate builds in intensity with flavors of smoke, bramble, roasted meats and mahogany. An elegant foundation of sweet tannins helps buoy complex flavors of black cherry, plum, cedar, huckleberry and molasses. The wine is further laced with the flavors of mocha, toffee and Spanish paprika. A spice-driven and even floral essence sustains the long finish. Robert Parker writes that the wine is a “full-throttle, in-your-face, voluptuous, brash effort,” likening it too a “sexy beast” (was reviewed as 2005 Fat Boy in The Wine Advocate, Issue 168). 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot. 375 cases produced.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May/Jun 2008 (91 points) – Stephen Tanzer
Highly perfumed aromas and flavors of red berries, tobacco and dried flowers. Supple, juicy and sweet, with a round texture and good spicy lift to the middle palate. Finishes with ripe tannins and excellent length.

 

Although it says Cabernet Sauvignon on the label, the 2005 Spare Me hints at greater complexity than just a single grape. Partnered with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the wine is a dark crimson and boasts a nose both precise and inviting. Wafts of cinder, Moroccan spices and cinnamon lift gently from the glass. The palate is loaded with flavors of cassis, blueberry and molasses. The wine demonstrates supple acidity and a clean, round balance. Sweet tannins provide for a confectionary-like finish, with notes of candy corn and sweet jam. 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 12% Cab Franc.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May/Jun 2008 (89 points) – Stephen Tanzer
Good full ruby-red. Floral aromas of redcurrant, graphite and tobacco. Silky on entry, then supple and juicy in the middle, with attractive red berry and spice flavors. Finishes with rather soft, slightly dry tannins. This easy-drinking wine contains a good bit of fruit declassified from the winery's more expensive bottlings.

 

The 2005 Herrick-Moulds is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon, except for a dash of Petit Verdot, which surely contributes to its dark garnet, nearly purple color. A delicate nose of soft mint and roasted fruit is followed by a more rigorous palate of tobacco, currant and mixed peppercorn. The mouth-feel titillates with cherry compote and plum, while the flavors evolve into more exotic notes of cardamom, star anise and roasted chestnuts.
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot.

The Wine Advocate #168
December 2006 (92-95 points) – Robert Parker
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Herrick-Moulds Vineyard reveals that varietal’s classic creme de cassis/blueberry side as well as great purity, a striking minerality, full body, sweet tannin, and good length and intensity. It should age effortlessly for 14-15 years given its tannic profile and freshness.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May/Jun 2008 (91+ points) – Stephen Tanzer
Good bright ruby-red. Musky aromas of raspberry, tobacco, violet and mint. Juicy and penetrating in the mouth, with spicy, highly aromatic raspberry, blackberry, chocolate and rose petal flavors. Lively more than fleshy despite its 15.2% alcohol. With a minty lift to the cabernet, this offers a light touch. May merit an even higher score with a couple years of cellaring.

 

A brooding wine of intense color and complexity, the 2005 Cemetery is nearly black. Earthy sage notes coupled with deeper scents of espresso, cocoa and cedar give life to the wine before it even hits your lips. All agreed that a near symphonic balance is achieved in this wine; you feel the bass of Mexican dark chocolate as you taste the higher-toned raspberry elements. The fruit nuances are balanced by more muscular flavors of tobacco and liqueur. The Cemetery truly makes for a complete wine that finishes with grace and length. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot. 340 cases produced.

The Wine Advocate #168
December 2006 (93-95 points) – Robert Parker
Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 17% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot, the 2005 Cemetery is a beautifully poised, elegant wine displaying medium to full body, sweet tannin, and abundant crushed rock, floral, black currant, and plum nuances. Given its good acid profile and firm tannin, it should evolve slowly ... over the next 12-16 years.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May/Jun 2008 (90 points) – Stephen Tanzer
Ruby-red. Slightly raw aromas of raspberry, chocolate, tobacco, pepper and herbs; conveys a strong impression of gravelly soil, not unlike the northern Medoc. Then lush and syrupy in the mouth, showing a slightly rustic underripe/overripe character that was not obvious in a barrel sample a year ago. Following the last couple of wines, this one is distinctly more chunky, superrich, and Napa Valley in style. Finishes with substantial tannins. Les Behrens obviously likes this bottling, but today it comes across as a bit disjointed. I'd suggest holding it for a couple of years.

Wine Spectator
March 31, 2008 (91 points) – James Laube
A rich, savory style, with a supple medley of herb, sage, dried currant and mineral notes. Has excellent structure, focus and length, though this clearly needs time in the bottle or plenty of aeration. Best from 2009 through 2013.

   

The crème de la crème of the still small Erna Schein portfolio, this nearly equal blend of four Bordeaux varietals has proven to be a clear in-house favorite for the vintage. The 2005 Behrens Family Reserve is dark ruby red and offers up subtle, warm notes of vanilla and thyme with hints of violet and toast. We all use slightly different words to describe the thoroughness of the wine: “amazing balance,” “seamless,” “fully-integrated,” “thick,” “opulent” and “harmonious.” Rich flavors of root beer, fig and cassis lend the wine incredible finesse. 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 19% Petit Verdot. 370 Cases Produced.

The Wine Advocate #168
December 2006 (92-94 points) – Robert Parker
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.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May/Jun 2008 (92 points) – Stephen Tanzer
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.

Wine Spectator
March 31, 2008 (92 points) – James Laube
Tight, sleek and focused, with an elegant mix of ripe currant, black cherry, smoky, cedary oak and loamy earth and herbal scents that fold together nicely. Already impressive for its depth and definition. Drink now through 2013.

 

The 2005 Jersey Boy is the first art label release from Erna Schein. It is a cross-county, garnet/ruby-colored blend exhibiting an exotic nose of mahogany, cocoa, perfume and orchids. This well-balanced wine is rich without being heavy and displays dark fruits such as black berries, ripe plum and huckleberries. One of the most complete wines of the vintage for Erna Schein, it’s solid, “sweet” core lasts throughout the palate and is further facilitated by super-fine tannins and a long, steady finish. Rather well-polished for a “Jersey Boy.” 41% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 6% Petit Verdot . 443 Cases Produced.

The Wine Advocate
(90-92 points) – Robert Parker
The 2005 Jersey Boy (a cross county blend of fruit from Mendocino to Napa) is 41% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, and 6% Petit Verdot. Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple color along with extroverted aromas, soft tannins, plenty of black cherry and blackberry fruit, and full-bodied opulence, it is a soft, hedonistic fruit bomb to enjoy during its first 4-5 years of life.

 

The 2005 Petite Sirah delivers on all fronts! There is little to say about the color beyond, “Black!” It has a deep and thorough nose of cedar, Asian five-spice, anise, coriander and jasmine. Many island themed notes work their way from the nose well into the mid-palate: we found lychee, kumquat and coconut. An intense Rhone-like, yet supple palate reminded us of miso/sake glaze, tar, blueberry and pork belly. The tannin structure is firm and present, albeit seductively rounded and soft. Given this wine’s lineage, tannins and ridiculously long finish, plan on keeping at least a few bottles for the long haul. 100% Petite Sirah Spring Mountain District. 324 Cases Produced.

The Wine Advocate
(92-94 points) – Robert Parker
A knock-out effort for those with patience is the 2005 Petite Sirah Spring Mountain. This dark purple-hued effort reveals beautiful blueberry and violet aromas along with hints of crushed rocks and incense. Rich, full-bodied, powerful, and tannic, it should be at its finest between 2010-2025.

 

Another impeccably crafted Syrah from the cooler vineyard site of Alder Springs in Mendocino County, this year’s “Ed” displays the typical black/purple color of Syrahs from this vineyard, while also having a more vintage specific freshness to it. The nose introduces soft notes of daphne and fruit tree blossoms combined with more rich notes of peat, loam and roasted meats. This wine demonstrates the fresh, red fruits of raspberry and cherry as well as more subtle flavors toward marmalade and apricot. It is further bolstered by more foundational notes of graphite, stone, and smoke. This wine has a firm and age-worthy finish. 100 % Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard. 484 Cases Produced.