Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Number 77 on the Wine.com 100 of 2007!

"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 flavors that continue to a long satisfying finish."
—Laurie Hook, Winemaker

To maintain the unique characteristics of the different lots from varying areas of the vineyard, Laurie kept them 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 sixteen months. After aging, Laurie blended the lots of Cabernet Sauvignon to highlight Knights Valley's characteristically bright black cherry fruit. The wine also has toasty oak, vanilla, cedar and smoky aromas accented by a pretty background of pink peppercorn, cocoa and mint. Small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah were added for additional complexity. A full mouth of sweet, zesty and rich black fruit is supported by nice bright acidity and ripe tannins.

"An appealing wine showing likeable softness and flashy flavors. The palate brings cassis, mocha, licorice, sweet tobacco, sage, Asian spice and smoky oak; finisheds long and rich. Notable for its superb structure."
-Wine Enthusiast