BERINGER

Beringer Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2001. Jacob Beringer's foresight in recognizing the quality and potential of grape growing in the Napa Valley is part of the living heritage of Beringer Vineyards. With the present use of state-of-the-art technology applied to age-old traditions, Beringer Vineyards' wines continue to reflect a single-minded dedication to the making of memorable wines from great Napa Valley vineyards.
"Beringer has had an exceptional run of highly successful wines since the mid-eighties. Considering the diversity of wines produced, I would be hard pressed to single out another winery that has enjoyed as much success as Beringer has over the last decade. ...it is impossible to find anything less than top-flight at Beringer, with many of the firm's wines undeniably special. With respect to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer could teach a few things to some of its neighbors, as these varietals soar to the heights of quality at this winery. Beringer's most glorious red wines are their three estate wines, the Bancroft Vineyard Merlot, the Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and their limited production (800-1000 cases), blockbuster Chabot Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon." Robert Parker

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Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve
Each year since 1981, Beringer Vineyards- Winemaster Ed Sbragia has crafted his Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, by combining wines from a handful of selected Napa Valley vineyards that he knows from experience produce grapes of the highest quality. Ed finds the Cabernet Sauvignon from each vineyard is so distinctive in character that they act almost like separate varietals, allowing him to create intricate layers of aroma and flavor in his Private Reserve Cabernet.

"I cannot recall a disappointing vintage of the Private Reserve. Statisticians should note that the Private Reserve is always at least 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, and aged for 22-24 months in 100% new French oak. One of the common threads I find in the wines is a smoky, chocolatey, licorice character that works well with the lavish quantities of fruit and glycerin these wines possess. One of the safest choices a consumer can make, the Private Reserve has been a consistently fine and accurate representation of Cabernet's varietal characteristics." Robert Parker

1995 $109.99 very limited
"The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a full-bodied, explosively rich, deep purple-colored wine bursting with ripe fruit. It displays smoky oak, gobs of cassis, a touch of cigar box and cedar, and a layered, multi-dimensional feel. This voluptuous, seductive offering is already drinking well, yet should age effortlessly for 15-20 years." 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #120
1990 $139.99-750ml very limited $269.99-1.5L very limited
"The 1991 will have plenty of competition from the generously endowed, dark purple-colored 1990 Private Reserve, which will be released in 1994. This rich, opulent, full-bodied wine is loaded with layers of flavor, copious amounts of juicy fruit, sweet tannin, and moderate amounts of lavish oak. Less muscular and concentrated than the 1991, it is a superb expression of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It should drink well for at least 12-15 years. Beringer continues to do everything right. Its staff of talented professionals may rank as the best in the business. Since 1984, its Private Reserve Cabernets have been among the top dozen Cabernets produced in California and are not likely to stumble over the next several years." 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #89

1981 $269.99-1.5L very limited