One of the most historic properties in Napa, Beringer dates all the way back back to the 1860s. For years I’ve tasted at Beringer and it is always a welcome experience to come back to this expansive spot in St. Helena. I have very fond memories of older bottles of their ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay as these are some of the most age worthy Chardonnays you will find in Napa. Beringer may have invented the White Zin but they also have crafted some incredibly age worthy Chardonnay and Cabernet wines.
Winemaker Ryan Rech came to Napa more than a decade ago, where he led winemaking for the relaunch of the Souverain wines crafted in the historic Asti winery, and later, working alongside famed Chateau St. Jean winemaker Margo Van Staaveren. In 2016, Ryan joined Beringer Vineyards as Luxury Red Winemaker and crafted wines from the Knight’s Valley estate. He was appointed Sr. Winemaker and General Manager in 2017 and elevated to Chief Winemaker in 2021, following the line of Mark Beringer, the great-grandson of Beringer Vineyards’ founding brother Jacob Beringer
I adored their 2018 ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a stunning new wine that shows serious weight and tension. This is a killer value to buy by the case. Another sensational value buy is the 2018 Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 91) which is fresh and dense, loaded with black fruits. Learn more about these awesome wines at beringer.com Here are the awesome new premium wines by Beringer Vineyards.
2018 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay- Rich and downright unctuous with a silky texture, the 2018 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay is a sensational value from this house. Once on the nose this shows off butterscotch tones that combine with banana, roasted pineapple and shades of salted Macadamia nut. The palate is plush and dense with a soft mouthfeel and wonderful sense of length. Highly enjoyable now, be sure to taste this at a warmer temperature to take in this rich drinking experience. Drink 2021-2031- 94
2018 Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Rich and delicious the 2018 ‘Knights Valley’ by Beringer, delivers plenty of ripe blackberry, black cherry and mocha flavors. Full-bodied and delicious, this generous effort is a stunning wine for the price that is best enjoyed over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2021-2028- 91