Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Deep, rich and generous, with layers of dark berry, currant, plum and raspberry flavors, touches of black licorice and spicy, floral scents. Notably elegant and refined for a wine of such intensity. Drink now through 2032.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Even better is the outstanding 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Knights Valley, composed of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc aged 18 months in 53% new French oak. This is a big boy at 15.1% alcohol, but beautifully made, with notes of chocolate, crème de cassis, licorice, tobacco leaf and spicy oak. This is serious stuff, rich, full, opulent, and while drinkable now, it is capable of lasting 10-15 years.
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.