Winemaker Notes
-Laurie Hook, Winemaker
To maintain the unique characteristics of the different lots from varying areas of the vineyard, they were 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 twenty months. After aging, the lots of Cabernet Sauvignon were blended to highlight Knights Valley's characteristically bright cherry fruit with sweet toasty oak and smokey aromas, accented by a pretty background of dried rosemary, pink peppercorn and bramblebush scents. A small amount of Malbec and Cabernet Franc was added for additional complexity and floral components. A full mouth of fruit that is sweet and zesty is supported by nice bright acidity and round tannins.
"The charred-oak sweetness of barrel time balances this wine's dark, savory
fruit, together combining in a plump, round cabernet. A mineral grip to the
tannin keeps it honest and long. The sweetness and stony length will match
rare roast beef."
-Wines & Spirits
Professional Ratings
As California's longest continuously operating winery, Beringer has been defining Napa Valley winemaking since it was founded by Jacob and Frederick Beringer in 1876. By continuing that pioneering spirit, Beringer established many 'firsts' as leaders in the wine industry. They were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand dug caves and cellars. Beringer were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. They are the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. Today, they proudly celebrate and remain true to their pioneering legacy.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.