2007 Behrens Family Erna Schein Fat Boy

The 2007 Fat Boy (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) may represent an homage to all those who might drink too much on occasion. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a classic bouquet of creme de cassis, black raspberries, cherries and smoke. Layered, full-bodied, supple, civilized and rich, the Fat Boy name is somewhat misleading as this is a wine of complexity, balance and length. It should drink nicely for 5-7 years. Les and Lisa Behrens are two of my favorite people in Napa Valley for the simple reason that they love wine and make gorgeously delicious wines with a fun approach that is reflected in their creative labels. They had issues with some of the synthetic corks they used early on, but they are now back to true corks and are, hopefully, on the road to even greater success and good fortune. All their wines now appear under the label Erna Schein. Les and Lisa are like truffle dogs in terms of sniffing out somewhat underrated top sites for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Early on they discovered many vineyards that were later swiped away by people with more money. However, the Behrens still have a loaded deck of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. If you haven’t yet discovered these wines, it’s about time you do. If there is a future in the wine world for real people, Lisa and Les Behrens have to succeed. Tel. (707) 963-1774; www.ernaschein.com