Red Wines    Cabernet Sauvignon    Sonoma County    California   
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Date Printed: 12/2/2008
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(search item no. 92757)
Wine & Spirits rating: 92 points
Wine Enthusiast rating: 91 points
PRICE ON 12/2/2008: $25.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2004 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
2003 The Wine Advocate rating: 88 points
2002 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2001 Wine & Spirits rating: 92 points
2000 The Wine Advocate rating: 89 points
1999 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
1999 Wine Spectator rating: 89 points
1997 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
1997 International Wine Cellar rating: 89 points
1997 Wine Spectator rating: 88 points
1997 The Wine Advocate rating: 88 points
1996 International Wine Cellar rating: 90 points
1995 Wine Spectator rating: 91 points
1993 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points

Winemaker's Notes:

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

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.