Beringer Knights Valley Alluvium Blanc 2006

Wine Spectator rating: 92

One of the best white wines i have ever had. Great creaminess with a nice finish for a white. My first Semillion.

January 2008

Wine & Spirits rating: 92

The Alluvium pours beautifully....rich almost viscous. The honeysuckle aroma from the Viognier wafts from the glass followed by pear, and citrus. Swirling the glass, the wine clings to the bowl forshadowing the viscocity and lush mouth feel. Peach and stone fruit, pear, vanilla; all linger with a long finish. Fabulous for a $15.00 wine.

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• gerry Dunn
• WineGent

August 2008

The 2006 Alluvium Blanc is predominantly Semillion (47%) and Sauvignon Blanc(43%) with small amounts of Chardonnay (8%) and Viognier (2%). All of theSauvignon Blanc and Semillon lots were barrel fermented in French Nevers oak andstirred on the lees twice a month during barrel aging because Laurie wanted a round,lush mouthfeel in the wine and vanilla, nutty-toasty oak aromas and flavors. Nearlyall of the wine was aged in new and once used French oak (1/3 new) for eight monthsin an effort to create a good balance between the fruit flavors and oak nuances. Thewines underwent malolactic fermentation read more...(90%) to bring a creaminess that balancesthe crisp acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc. After nine months aging, Laurie blended inthe Chardonnay to add structure and lushness, along with Viognier to enhance thehoneysuckle aromas. The proprietary Alluvium name pays homage to the alluvial soils of Knights Valley. We select the best blend of white varietals from vintage tovintage. For the 2006 Alluvium Blanc, bright citrus, nectarine and melon aromas leadinto a mouthcoating creaminess balanced by bright fruit characteristics with hints oftoasty oak, honey and lemon zest. This wine reminds me of a fig tart with just a touchof sweetness. -Laurie Hook, Winemaker    (hide)

"There's wonderful purity of fruit, with a rich, vibrant beam of tangerine, nectarine and subtle pear shadings. Finishes with a long, clean aftertaste, with a hint of sage. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier...92" WS Wine of the Week 1/7/08