Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Beringer

Tasting Note Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Initially, aromas of blackcurrant and dark plum emerge, followed by subtle notes of cedar, pencil shavings, and cocoa powder from the oak barrels. Merlot rounds the mid-palate, while Cabernet Franc adds a refreshing touch of leafy and peppery notes, preventing the fruit flavors from feeling too heavy. The tannins are firm with a slightly chalky texture and still leave a lingering sensation on the finish. The 2020 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is drinkable now with some air, though the tannins have not yet fully settled.

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, while the other varietals fill in the gaps. Merlot adds softness, Cabernet Franc adds aroma, Petit Verdot adds color and spicy notes, and Malbec adds dark fruit.

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Cabernet Franc
• Petit Verdot
• Malbec

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed by 2030. The concentrated flavors of the small berries and firm tannins support a medium-long drinking window.  Will benefit from some aeration before being served, serve between 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

Cabernet Sauvignon is the king grape of California's northern coastal appellations, thanks to cold Pacific water. Wherever the mountain range drops below 600 meters, fog and sea breezes sweep inland, slowing ripening and ensuring that the blackcurrant fruit aroma remains intense rather than becoming jam-like. Drainage is also crucial for Cabernet. If water pools, the vines become overgrown with leaves, which compromises quality. Warm days and cool nights, and the temperature fluctuations between them, are the secret to Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon's deep fruit aromas and robust structure.

Winemaking

At Beringer, selection is the top priority. The fruit is graded before blending, and the highest-quality portion is allocated to Private Reserve; this hierarchical structure defines the identity of each label. For red wines, the aging process takes place in barriques (small French oak barrels), which add notes of cedar and vanilla to the blackcurrant aromas of Cabernet. House style has shifted over the years. Ed Sbragia has built a reputation for its intense flavor, while Laurie Hook has steered the wine in a more refined direction.

Food Pairing

Since tannins require the support of fat and protein, Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with beef.

• Grilled: Ribeye, shallots, nothing fancy
• Roast: Lamb with rosemary; the herbs echo the wine's darker notes
• Aged Cheddar or Parmesan; where umami cuts across the tannin
• Grilled vegetables; their charred flavors complement the wine's spicy oak notes