Accolades for Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon

World renowned wine critic Robert Parker recently conducted a retrospective tasting of Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons dating back to 1990. The results were published in the June 30, 2011 issue of the Wine Advocate. Several vintages previously rated have now received higher scores, including 97 points awarded to the 2007 vintage currently in the marketplace.

The following tasting notes are being reprinted with Mr. Parker’s permission.

“This was a fascinating tasting of one of the top Cabernet Sauvignons made in Napa Valley that has remained at a realistic price. It also enjoys an enviable track record of consistent quality for nearly two decades. The flagship wine of the Beringer portfolio, its production (which has ranged from a low of 6,100 cases in 2000 to 24,000 cases in 1997) has been overseen by winemaker Ed Sbragia and more recently by Laurie Hook. Ed Sbragia told me that dealing with largely the same parcels of vines over this entire period, there are usually 60 to 80 different lots that are potential Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon material. The lots are all kept separate until right before bottling when extensive blending trials and qualitative tastings take place to see which will be designated for the Private Reserve. Over the last twenty years there have been some noticeable changes, most prominently in the viticulture and smaller fermentation tanks. The vineyards were completely replanted during the 1980s because of the phylloxera epidemic that spread through Napa Valley exacerbated by the huge winter floods of 1986. The viticulture has changed slightly, with fewer clusters per shoot as well as better hydric stress management with drip irrigation control. The result is more uniform fruit zones in the vineyards. These wines have all been aged in 100% new French oak (mostly Seguin-Moreau and a small amount of Taransaud), and the alcohol levels have been relatively consistent, ranging from a low of 13.4% to a high of 14.6%.

These wines were not decanted for this tasting, but were simply opened and tasted over a three hour period. What stood out was the brilliant consistency among all of them. They all have 20-30+ years of potential longevity (probably longer if kept in a cold, damp cellar).” —Robert Parker, Wine Advocate – June 30, 2011, Issue #195

Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 1990 – 2007
Complete text of reviews from Robert Parker viewable at this link

2007 – Rated 97
2006 – Rated 93+
2005 – Rated 97
2004 – Rated 94
2003 – Rated 93
2002 – Rated 94
2001 – Rated 97
2000 – Rated 91
1999 – Rated 89+
1998 – Rated 89
1997 – Rated 95
1996 – Rated 88
1995 – Rated 96
1994 – Rated 97
1993 – Rated 93
1992 – Rated 92
1991 – Rated 96
1990 – Rated 94