Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

"Being very selective in both the vineyard, and later in the winery, was the key in 1998. Vineyards had to be picked cluster by cluster, not block by block or even vine by vine. I chose to use lots from our St. Helena Home, Chabot and Tre Colline vineyards as the core of the wine because they had the best depth and complexity. The cool vintage and lingering clouds on Howell Mountain during harvest made it a challenging year up there - I didn't get the consistent richness through all lots of Bancroft the way I normally do. As a result, I was brutally selective in the blending process, using only the lots that were really up to Private Reserve quality. Consequently, I made less than half of our 'normal' PR production." -Ed Sbragia, Winemaster

"Exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a moderately intense bouquet of black currants infused with olive, smoke, licorice, and new oak. Supple, medium-bodied, and surprisingly evolved, with sweet fruit on the mid-palate and in the finish, it is a harmonious, charming offering to enjoy over the next 7-8 years." -Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate December 23, 2000"