Tailored pump-over techniques are used for optimal extraction, and the wine is aged in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of French Nevers oak (100% new). Each vineyard is vinified separately and monitored carefully from the moment the fruit comes into the winery at harvest. The Beringer reserve vineyards offer Cabernet Sauvignon of such quality that a minimalist approach to winemaking has long defined this special blend. Grapes for the 2014 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between September 11th and October 10th. Each lot is closely watched during the ripening period to determine ideal pick time. Marston Ranch Vineyard on Spring Mountain and Derr Family Vineyard on Mount Veeder both provide 7% each to the final blend, and finally, 4% of the Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Kenefick Vineyard in Calistoga. Helena Home Vineyard, as well as the Chabot Vineyard in the St. ![]() A significant portion (20%) comes from the St. VINEYARD NOTESīancroft Ranch and Steinhauer Ranch vineyards atop Howell Mountain provide the foundation (62%) for the 2014 blend. Wonderful upon release, the wine will reward patient aging for many years. Open and approachable, with soft and silky tannins, this expression of Private Reserve shows plenty of dark fruit aromas and flavors, with blueberry, blackberry and black cherry much in evidence alongside aromas of violets, licorice and evident oak spice. Accordingly, it will drink well with minimal cellaring." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2016 TASTING NOTES Interestingly, the Private Reserve is more accessible than some of the single-vineyard Cabernets. Rich and seamless on the palate, the 2014 possesses striking depth, along with scents of black cherry, chocolate, menthol and spices. "Beringer's flagship 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is mostly Howell Mountain fruit. Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate, December 2016 94 POINTS - VINOUS It should drink well for 20-25 years, as these wines have an impeccable track record of ageability.” - Robert M. The texture is open and lush, and the wine more forward and sexy than the 2013 was at a similar stage of development. “Always the best of all of them is the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve.The wine has an inky purple color, a big, sweet kiss of pen ink, graphite, cedar wood, licorice, blackberries and blackcurrants with some background oak, but it’s dominated by the fruit extract and the full-bodied richness and glycerin this wine possesses. It has the purity to drink nicely today, yet needs 4-5 years of cellaring to show its potential." - Jeb Dunnuck, December 2017 95 POINTS - WINE ADVOCATE Rich, full-bodied and beautifully concentrated, it's tight and backward, and is more reminiscent of a 2013 than a 2014. "The flagship Private Reserve sports an inky, opaque color to go with killer notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, hints of oak, graphite and minerality. Beringer’s extraordinary collection of vineyards is the result of a significant and decades-long relationship between viticulture and winemaking. I can't imagine this distinctly cool wine blossoming in the bottle.With each vintage of the acclaimed Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the Beringer winemaker chooses the best lots from our reserve vineyards in the Napa Valley, each of which demonstrates remarkable expression of terroir. ![]() Finishes brisk but a bit sour, with some spiky acidity and lingering pepper and herb notes. Spicier and leaner than the young 2012, with a strong impression of acidity and an herbal element giving a tart quality to the blackberry, graphite and leather flavors. Rather cool aromas of plum syrup, cocoa powder, licorice and fresh herbs. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 9% petit verdot, 8% cabernet franc and 1% malbec." - James Suckling (May 15, 2014)ĩ0 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: This is a subtly fruity, juicy red with a pretty texture. It's full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a clean, fresh finish. ![]() "This is very aromatic and pretty with plum, cherry and currant aromas, plus hints of chocolate. The blend is 71% Cabernet, 11% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot/8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec." -Antonio Galloni (November 2013) ![]() Readers will note the lower than normal presence of Cabernet Sauvignon in the 2011, which is typical for a year in which blenders play an important role. Sweet floral and spiced notes lead to expressive dark red berries, mocha, anise and new leather in a brilliant Opus One. A brilliant, precise wine, the 2011 impresses for its energy. "The 2011 Opus One may turn out to be one of the surprises of the year.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |