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
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.
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.
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.