One of the historic Napa properties, Beringer dates back to the 1860s. I’m pretty sure the wine quality wasn’t anything near their current release ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay and Cabernet bottlings. I’ve tasted at Beringer for more than a decade and it is always an awesome experience to come back to this historic winery. Absolutely epic ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay wines from 2004 and 2007 vintages clog my memory bank. Beringer may have invented the White Zin but they also have crafted some incredibly age worthy Chardonnay and Cabernet wines.
While their new release is the 2015, their 2014 ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) is a showstopper, currently displaying an unctuous texture and serious tension. This is a wine to buy by the case, if still available. Always impressive, particularly in good vintages, the 2014 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet (WWB, 95) is a stunning wine that was made by former winemaker Laurie Hooke. This is obviously ripe but has gobs of layers, showing true Napa character. It is a stunning achievement, considering more than 7k cases were made. Hats off to the Beringer winemaking team on their achievements. Learn more about these awesome wines at beringer.com Here are the awesome new premium wines by Beringer Vineyards.
2014 Beringer Vineyards ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay- This stunning wine is a memorable effort by the talented winemaking team at Beringer. Fat, almost unctuous, this wine shows an incredible mouthfeel and viscosity that is hard to find in Napa. The aromatics mimic the opulent flavors of creme brulee, vanilla cream, brioche and Meyer lemon zest. The near minute long finish accentuates this exceptional bottling by Beringer. You have to admire the great combination of viscosity and structure. Enjoy this wine for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2030- 94
2015 Beringer Vineyards ‘Private Reserve' Chardonnay- This stunning wine is made by Mark Beringer, The wine was aged in 9 months in 66% new French oak prior to bottling. This wine begins with aromatics of creme brulee, roasted pineapple, and an exotic edge with rich spices. The palate is plush as the wine displays an unctuous character. vanilla cream and baking spics with Meyer lemon rind impress. The weight and texture is lovely. This wine will age brilliantly. Drink 2017-2027- 93
2015 Beringer ‘Luminus’ Chardonnay- Aged for 9 months in 30% French oak prior to bottling. This wine has slightly less oak treatment than the ‘Private Reserve’ bottling. Sourced from the Oak Knoll district this wine. This has wonderful aromatics of Pazzaz apple, vanilla cream and creme brulee. Balanced and poised this shows whipping cream elements, Bosc pear and Meyer lemon flavors that sit alongside some great acidity. Drink 2017-2022- 91
2013 Beringer Vineyards ‘Bancroft Ranch’ Merlot- Beringer has maintained a pretty awesome reputation for great Merlot. This 2013 ‘Bancroft Ranch’ Merlot is a silky blend of 82% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The wine begins with aromatics of red bell pepper, anise, green peppercorn and anise. This has a wonderful plush texture that glides through the mid palate. The wine has a wonderful sense of place. This shows creme de cassis anise red bell pepper and cigar smoke flavors. The acidity of this wine is gorgeous. Drink 2017-2029- 93
2013 Beringer Vineyards ‘Bancroft Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Showing of an inky color, this great wine begins with aromatics of anise, creme de cassis, dill and red bell pepper. The weight and balance here is lovely, as this wine revels mocha, creme de cassis, anise and spice box flavors that show wonderful tension. This is gorgeous Cabernet that shows its elegant side. Drink 2017-2030- 93
2014 Beringer Vineyards ‘Knight’s Valley Reseve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This dense colored wine begins with aromatics of red bell pepper, anise, creme de cassis and blackberry jam. The mouthfeel is lovely as the wine shows off creme de cassis, milk chocolate, blackberry pie and anise flavors that sit alongside some lovely minerality. The tension and texture is outstanding. Drink 2017-2030- 93
2014 Beringer Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This is a new wine for the Beringer collection. The wine was sourced from a host of Napa Valley vineyards. This wine shows off a deep core and has deep flavors of of red bell pepper, anise, creme de cassis and Hoisin sauce. The mouthfeel and texture to this wine impresses, showing off plush flavors. Drink 2017-2030- 92
Beringer has gained an international reputation for their world class 'Private Reserve' Cabernets.
2013 Beringer Vineyards ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine shows off a deep core. Sexy aromatics of creme de cassis, sweet tobacco, anise, mocha and tar impress. The gorgeous aromatics bring you back to the wine. There are deep flavors of mocha, creme de cassis, anise, creosote and pencil shavings. This is a complete wine made by superstar former winemaker Laurie Hooke. This is an incredible achievement considering there is 7500 cases of this great wine made. Drink 2017-2035- 95