Tasting Notes for Beringer Howell Mountain Bancroft Ranch Merlot 2002

Red Wines	Merlot	Napa Valley	California

My Rating (circle) :

Date Printed: 2/11/2012

Beringer Howell Mountain Bancroft Ranch Merlot 2002

(search item no. 91440)

collectible wine

The Wine News rating: 94 points
International Wine Cellar rating: 92 points
PRICE ON 2/11/2012: $57.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2005 Wine Enthusiast rating: 94 points
2005 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
2005 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2005 International Wine Cellar rating: 90 points
2001 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points
2001 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
1999 Wine Spectator rating: 88 points
1997 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
1997 The Wine Advocate rating: 92 points
1997 Wine Enthusiast rating: 91 points
1997 International Wine Cellar rating: 91 points
1996 Wine Enthusiast rating: 92 points
1996 Wine Enthusiast rating: 92 points
1995 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points
1995 The Wine Advocate rating: 91 points

Winemaker's Notes:

Cedar spice, vanilla and smoky toffee aromas from the barrels integrate well with the sweet dark plum, cassis, cola berry, minty and earthy characteristics from the grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc bring a black cherry accent to the nose and elongate the finish which showcases hints of black licorice and coffee.

My Notes:

Additional wines from Beringer Vineyards:

1993 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 316)
1996 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 20427)
2002 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (half-bottle) (search item no. 109130)
2005 Howell Mountain Bancroft Ranch Merlot (search item no. 112044)
2006 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 110249)
2009 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 111568)
2009 Knights Valley Meritage (search item no. 114926)
2009 Private Reserve Chardonnay (search item no. 110938)
2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay (search item no. 112646)
2010 Private Reserve Chardonnay (search item no. 114286)

About Beringer Vineyards:

Established in 1876, Beringer has a history of exploring the unique characteristics of fruit from its Napa Valley estate vineyards. Since 1977, winemaker Edward Sbragia has combined Cabernet Sauvignon from a handful of these select vineyards with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot to make his Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. When one varietal in one vineyard produces outstanding results, Sbragia chooses to bottle it separately.