2003 Behrens & Hitchcock Alder Springs Vineyard Merlot

Behrens & Hitchcock was established in 1993 when Les Behrens and Lisa Drinkward, a couple who had opened Northern California restaurant a few years earlier, bought a few tons of grapes with the idea of making their own wine. They were soon joined by Bob and Lily Hitchcock who managed the financial end of the winemaking process. Behrens & Hitchcock, located in St. Helena, quickly earned a reputation for full-throttled wines that pleased critics and collectors. However, the last vintage to bear the Behrens & Hitchcock name was 2005. When the Hitchcocks retired that year Les and Lisa bought out the retirees out and changed the name of the winery to Erna Schein Handcrafted Wines. Since 2006 all wines have been made under the Erna Schein label. The name is a dedication to Les Behrens’ mother. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that Behrens and Drinkward “have a remarkable knack … for assembling striking blends with innovative names.”

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.