Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 2018 Beringer

Tasting Note Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 2018

Aromas of blackcurrant and black cherry come through first, followed by subtle notes of cedar, pencil shavings, and cocoa powder from the oak barrels. It delivers a broad, warm sensation on the palate and possesses the scale typical of Napa, the tannins in the 2018 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve are ripe for a layered texture which elevate it to a great finish.

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon leads the Beringer Private Reserve and supplies the cassis and the tannin spine. A small amount of blending components complements this:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc, for lift
• Petit Verdot, for colour and grip

Cellaring Potential

This wine's tannins still have room to soften. The 2018 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is best enjoyed through 2042. Let it breathe in a decanter for about an hour, then serve at 16-18°C.

About Beringer

Beringer is the oldest winery in Napa Valley, having operated continuously since 1876 without a single interruption, proudly showcasing its history. The stone gravity-fed cellar in St. Helena still stands, as do the tunnel carved into the hillside behind it and the Victorian mansion at the front, which locals regard as a landmark. However, what Beringer is truly famous for is its style. Under the Private Reserve label, the oak-rich and full-flavored Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay sit at the top of the lineup. Below them lies a broad range of wines, from the Napa Valley single-varietal wines to the more affordable line representing the broader California appellation.

Terroir & Climate

Beringer does not cultivate any specific hillside exclusively, and this is precisely the essence of Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve. Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder benefit from volcanic soil and high elevation, resulting in smaller berries and firmer tannins. St. Helena, situated on alluvial soil at the valley floor, ripens into a warmer, richer flavor. The fog rolling in from San Pablo Bay slows the ripening process in Napa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon seeks precisely that combination: sunshine for ripening and cool nights for aroma.

Winemaking

Selection is the top priority. Only the finest fruit is used for Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, while the remaining fruit and grapes purchased from outside sources are used for the Napa Valley bottlings. It's a straightforward approach, but an honest one. Jacob Beringer built a stone cellar to allow the wine to move between stages by gravity, without the need for pumps, and dug a tunnel approximately 300 meters long into the hill behind the winery to ensure cool, stable aging. The wine is then aged in barriques (small French oak barrels).

Food Pairing

What these tannins crave is fat and protein. A ribeye steak grilled to a perfectly charred exterior. Rack of lamb with rosemary. Slow-braised short ribs, where the collagen softens the astringency of Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve. Aged Cheddar and Parmesan also pair well, as their saltiness and umami help neutralize the wine's astringency. Grilled portobello mushrooms and eggplant are good options for meatless dishes.