2000 Behrens Family Cuvée Lola Reserve

The 2000 Cuvee Lola (a blend of 75% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot) is one of the vintage's superstars. It is thick and juicy, with great fruit, fabulously complex aromas (Asian spices, coffee, chocolate, black cherries, blackberries, and cassis), and a dense, vibrant (because of the high percentage of Cabernet Franc) personality, it gracefully conceals its 14.5% alcohol. Sadly, there are only 250 cases. My apologies to Bob Hitchcock and Les Behrens for writing a year and a half ago that this wine was named after their dead cat (that's the Ode to Picasso). As they reminded me, the Cuvee Lola honors "a live daughter." It should drink beautifully upon release, and over the following decade. (Price not yet determined, release date 11/02) Tel. 707-963-1774; Fax 707-963-8206