Red Wines    Bordeaux Red Blends    Sonoma County    California   
Wine.com - Buy wines, wine clubs, gift baskets and more
My Rating (circle) :
Date Printed: 12/2/2008
(search item no. 92516)
Wine Enthusiast rating: 93 points
Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
PRICE ON 12/2/2008: $26.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2002 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2001 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2000 Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
1999 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points
1998 Wine Spectator rating: 89 points
1998 The Wine Advocate rating: 88 points
1997 Wine Spectator rating: 89 points
1997 Wine & Spirits rating: 88 points
1996 Wine Spectator rating: 87 points
1996 Wine Enthusiast rating: 87 points
1995 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points

Winemaker's Notes:

The 2004 Alluvium has a lush, intense-cherry/blackberry core of 74% Merlot layered with 23% Cabernet Sauvignon to support the structure and add depth to the dark fruit aromas and flavors. Small amounts of Malbec and Cabernet Franc were added for more complexity and layers of juicy fruit and floral nuances.

"The proprietary Alluvium name pays homage to the alluvial soils of Knights Valley and, as a blend enables us to select the best red Bordeaux varietals from vintage to vintage. For the 2004, bright red fruit, chocolate covered cherries, tea, flint and smoky oak aromas lead into a mouthful bursting with blackberry and spice with hints of violets and orange rind. This wine has fleshy tannins giving an overall impression of richness and depth to the wine. I like to refer to it as a Maurice Sendak wine, as there’s a touch of "where the wild things are" about this wine."
— Laurie Hook, Winemaker

"This shows wonderfully layered, complex flavors, in addition to great structure. Thoroughly dry, with rich, fine tannins, it flatters with red and black currant, red cherry, milk chocolate, licorice, root beer, vanilla, dusty spice and smoky oak flavors. Luscious now and through 2010."
-Wine Enthusiast

My Notes:

Additional wines from Beringer Vineyards:

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.