Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (half-bottle) 2005
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Production: 9,700 cases; Alcohol: 14.5%; Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: October 12 to November 17. Composed of 31% Bancroft Ranch, 25% St. Helena Home Vineyard, 17% Steinhauer Ranch, 8% Rancho del Oso, and smaller amounts from Marston Ranch, Chabot Vineyard and Lampyridae, 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.
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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 style 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 the cellar to reach peak drinking.
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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.
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No winery or vineyard more thoroughly embodies the timeless appeal and seductive flavor of Napa Valley than Beringer Vineyards, Napa's benchmark producer since the establishment of the vineyard in 1876.
Now in its third century of crafting classic wines from Napa's finest appellations and vineyards, Beringer today is guided by the inspired partnership of celebrated Winemaster Emeritus Ed Sbragia and Winemaker Laurie Hook. Together, they craft Napa Valley wines that speak eloquently of the rich heritage of the Beringer Vineyard, while offering cutting-edge quality and contemporary elegance. The exquisite wines crafted at the Beringer Vineyards display a single minded dedication and pursuit of excellence instilled by its founder, Jacob Beringer.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.