Winemaker Notes
Always an appealing Cabernet Sauvignon, this deep plum-colored vintage showcases a gorgeous Bordeaux-varietal blend, with sandy, fine-grained tannins, and a plush, velvety-rich mouthfeel. Built to age and develop further complexity over time, the wine is ripe and juicy in its youth with aromas and flavors of vibrant boysenberry, strawberry preserves, and cassis alongside earthier notes of crushed stone, iron, bay laurel, and cedar. Baking spice elements from the well-integrated oak work well with the more traditional Knights Valley tones of wild lavender and bittersweet chocolate. Poised and lively with a structured, juicy, mouthwatering acidity and a finish that's elegant, long, savory, and pleasing.
Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A full-bodied red with redcurrants, rust and black chocolate aromas and flavors. Savory. Granular soft tannins. Very drinkable.
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.