Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

"Knights Valley is a very special place for us at Beringer. As you drive over the mountain from St. Helena, the valley opens up before your eyes and you immediately feel transported to another time, where things are slower and more rustic. This wine captures that place with great intensity of black fruit aromas and a long satisfying finish."
-Laurie Hook, Winemaker

To maintain the unique characteristics of the different lots from varying areas of the vineyard, they were all separate through vinification and aging. Extended maceration extracted a maximum of color, aromas and flavors. The wines were then aged in small French Nevers oak barrels (30% new) for twenty months. After aging, the lots of Cabernet Sauvignon were blended to highlight Knights Valley's characteristically bright cherry fruit with sweet toasty oak and smokey aromas, accented by a pretty background of dried rosemary, pink peppercorn and bramblebush scents. A small amount of Malbec and Cabernet Franc was added for additional complexity and floral components. A full mouth of fruit that is sweet and zesty is supported by nice bright acidity and round tannins.

"The charred-oak sweetness of barrel time balances this wine's dark, savory fruit, together combining in a plump, round cabernet. A mineral grip to the tannin keeps it honest and long. The sweetness and stony length will match rare roast beef."
-Wines & Spirits