Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
Beringer's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley is deep, plush and full of character. In 2011, there was no Knights Valley Reserve, all the best fruit was used for this bottling. Beringer waited to harvest this fruit, which made it through three rain events. In tasting, the 2011 feels quite bold and crisp, with plenty of flavor intensity and fine balance. Super- ripe black cherry, tobacco, dried herbs, menthol truffle and underbrush linger.
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.