Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 2004

I have enjoyed many vintages of Beringer Reserve Cab and this is very typical of previous vintages. It is an elegant wine - somewhat more like a super-second bordeaux than a top-notch California cab. What always strikes me is the velvety mouth-feel and combination of red and dark berry flavors -- usually with a hint of vanilla. It needs more time in the bottle as it remains tightly wound as of 1/08.

January 2008

Since 1981, when Winemaster Ed Sbragia first began blending the most expressive components from Beringer's best vineyards to craft the Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, he and Bob Steinhauer, vineyard manager at the time,worked steadily to identify Napa Valley sites that they thought could be developed into producing the rich, intensely colored and flavored Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that Ed requires for the Private Reserve. In 2004, Ed had eight reserve-potential vineyards to draw from, choosing the best lots after vinification and aging for a final blend thatcombines the various read more...vineyard expressions into a well-balanced, full-flavored whole. In any vintage, Ed's goal with the Private Reserve is to make a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. With Cabernet of this quality, Ed believes in taking a minimalist approach to winemaking. Vinifying the fruit from each vineyardseparately, Ed and his long-time winemaking partner Laurie Hook usedtailored pump-over techniques for optimal extraction, and then aged thewines in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of new French Nevers oakfrom coopers with whom they have long-established relationships. Thewinemakers put the wines through 100-percent malolactic fermentationfor added complexity and softness, and aged them just over two yearsbefore Ed selected the blend that he felt layers the personalities of thevineyards into a harmonious whole. The final blend showcases aromasof black berries, toasty oak, mint, white pepper and cocoa. Black fruit,cassis, caramel, vanilla, brown spices and hints of rose petals coat thepalate as ripe supple tannins extend throughout the long finish.    (hide)

No written review

August 2008

Beringer's Private Reserve Caberent is always one of the best wines out of Napa Valley. With Cabernet of this quality, Winemaker Ed Sbragia and his team take a minimalist approach. Vinifying the fruit from each vineyard separately, the sources are 42% Steinhauer Ranch, 18% St. Helena Home Ranch, 15% Bancroft Ranch, 11% Marston Vineyard, 3% Chabot, 3% Rancho del Oso, and 2% Lampyridae. Also added to the blend is 6% Cabernet Franc from Bancroft Ranch. They use gentle pump-over techniques for optimal extraction, and then age the wines 2 years in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of read more...new French Nevers oak. Robert Parker scored it 95 pts. and said: “The final blend for the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has turned out fabulously. The wine’s dense purple color is accompanied by a rich, sumptuous bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, chocolate, toast, and spice box. It possesses fabulous fruit, low acidity, a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, pure finish. This cuvee remains one of the most underrated great Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa. In vintages such as this, it is capable of lasting 20-25 years.”    (hide)

May 2009

With Cabernet of this quality, Ed believes in taking a minimalist approach to winemaking. Vinifying the fruit from each vineyard separately, Ed and his long-time winemaking partner Laurie Hook used tailored pump-over techniques for optimal

January 2009

Beringer's Private Reserve Caberent is always one of the best wines out of Napa Valley. With Cabernet of this quality, Winemaker Ed Sbragia and his team take a minimalist approach. Vinifying the fruit from each vineyard separately, the sources are 42% Steinhauer Ranch, 18% St. Helena Home Ranch, 15% Bancroft Ranch, 11% Marston Vineyard, 3% Chabot, 3% Rancho del Oso, and 2% Lampyridae. Also added to the blend is 6% Cabernet Franc from Bancroft Ranch. They use gentle pump-over techniques for optimal extraction, and then age the wines 2 years in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of read more...new French Nevers oak.

Robert Parker scored it 95 pts. and said: “The final blend for the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has turned out fabulously. The wine’s dense purple color is accompanied by a rich, sumptuous bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, chocolate, toast, and spice box. It possesses fabulous fruit, low acidity, a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, pure finish. This cuvee remains one of the most underrated great Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa. In vintages such as this, it is capable of lasting 20-25 years.”

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This item excluded from XTYPAK and any other discounts or offers beyond the 15% case discount.    (hide)

November 2009