Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2005

Beringer's Private Reserve Caberent is always one of the best wines out of Napa Valley. Winemaker Ed Sbragia and his team source the best possible fruit from Beringer's top vineyard sites all around Napa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are sourced from Bancroft Ranch and Steinhauer Ranch on Howell Mountain as well as St. Helena Home Ranch, Marston and Chabot Ranches. 5% Cabernet Franc is added that also comes from Steinhauer. Multiple 90+ ratings for this one, Steve Tanzer scored it 94 points and said "Knockout nose combines black raspberry, minerals and sweet spices. Lush and creamy, with explosive, fully ripe dark fruit and mineral flavors and terrific back-end lift. Finishes with big, broad, fine-grained tannins and impressive length. The goal here is not to make an early-drinking wine but one with sweet tannins and thoroughly ripe fruit, notes winemaker Laurie Hook, but I find this sexy from the start." Limited!

the 2005 is one of my all-time favorite Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserves. A late, long harvest followed a cold summer, late flowering and no heat until September and October. However, the end of the growing season was nearly perfect, hence the late harvest. Winemakers Ed Sbragia and Laurie Hook had the patience to wait for full phenolic maturity, which is evident in this great Private Reserve. Still a baby in terms of development, it is reminiscent of a first or second-growth Pauillac. Celestial notes of black currants, camphor, graphite, cocoa, white chocolate and spice box are all present in this full-bodied, extravagantly rich, multidimensional Cabernet. Although still primary, it is very classic with terrific purity, texture and length. It will need another decade to hit full maturity, but should easily last 15-20 years thereafter. (about 60% of the blend is now from Howell Mountain fruit) Good bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black r...

There is no doubt that the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is the top wine in the portfolio. Delicious notes of smoky oak, creme de cassis, espresso roast, blackberries, and graphite are followed by a full-bodied, powerful, rich wine with und... Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. A Cabernet Sauvignon wine from California in USA. 2005 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 750ml

94 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine CellarGood bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, minerals and sweet spices. Lush and creamy, with explosive, fully ripe dark fru

Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 750ML

93 Points - Wine & Spirits "A great vintage of Private Reserve, this reflects the sensibilities of two winemakers: Ed Sbragia, who has shepherded the blend for three decades, and Laurie Hook, who joined Sbragia in 1986. Hook's influence on the Beringer tyle has been subtle but significant over the past several years. The tightness of this wine and the more overt minerality in its tannin provide a defined arc of flavor, with firmer edges than often appeared in the smooth, sleek Private Reserve blends of the past. A large portion of the wine comes from Howell Mountain (Bancroft Ranch, Steinhauer and Rancho del Oso make up 60 percent), with another 25 percent from Beringer's St. Helena Home Ranch. The detail in the tannin shapes the complexity of the wine, the dark fruit and licorice flavors smoothed by oak. It's a formidable Cabernet, deserving of ten years in teh cellar to reach peak drinking." 94 Points - International Wine Cellar "Good bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, minerals and sweet spices. Lush and creamy, with explosive, fully ripe dark fruit and mineral flavors and terrific back-end lift. Finishes with big, broad, fine-grained tannins and impressive length. The goal here is not to make an early-drinking wine but one with sweet tannins and thoroughly ripe fruit, notes winemaker Laurie Hook, but I find this sexy from the start. "92 Points - The Wine Advocate "There is no doubt that the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is the top wine in the portfolio. Delicious notes of smoky oak, creme de cassis, espresso roast, blackberries, and graphite are followed by a full-bodied, powerful, rich wine with undeniable elegance and finesse as well as sweet tannins. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years. This cuvee usually includes about 5% Cabernet Franc in the blend. "93 Points - Wine Spectator "Offers richness, concentration and depth while remaining elegant and supple, focusing on the ripe, spicy currant, mineral, herb and sage notes. Ends with a measure of finesse and polish, with the right mix of tannins. Drink now through 2016."

Wine Tasting NotesEven before this full-bodied, garnet-colored Cabernet Sauvignon reaches the mouth, it imparts inviting aromas that create a heightened sense of anticipation. At first sip, the wine bursts forth with flavors of bright red and black fruit leading to a long, satisfying finish.