Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Production: 14,900 cases Alcohol: 13.7% Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: September 27 to October 31. This superb vintage in northern Napa Valley yielded smaller than normal quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon. It was basically problem free other than relatively small crops. Some torrid heat in early August created some problems, but otherwise it was an even growing season with few difficulties. Beringer’s 1994 Private Reserve came from four vineyard sites, Bancroft Ranch (47%), Tre Colline, and the balance from Chabot and St. Helena Home Vineyard. A stunning, seamless Cabernet Sauvignon, it boasts abundant notes of white chocolate, creme de cassis, woodsmoke, spice box, licorice and forest floor, superb concentration, a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet, integrated tannin and admirable youthfulness as well as freshness. This is one of the most Bordeaux-like wines in this vertical, with the lead pencil shavings and scorched earth characteristics pointing toward a Graves style. This beauty will continue to drink well for another two decades.
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Wine Spectator
Ultraripe and fleshy in texture, with a nice mix of mocha, currant, blackberry and stewed plum flavors that turn supple and graceful on the palate, finishing with a smooth aftertaste and ripe, integrated tannins.
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.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.