2014 Beringer Quantum Red Blend

~~74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Sirah, 2% Malbec.

91 points - Wine Enthusiast

"Dusty and herbal, the wine is thick and sizably tannic, with dense black fruit, leather and coffee."

Winemaker's Notes

The 2014 Beringer Quantum offers inviting aromas of black cherry, roasted espresso and leather. Notes of ripe plum, vanilla and boysenberry jam are accented by subtle brown spice. This rich, fleshy wine has incredibly silky tannins and a lush, rounded profile making it easy to enjoy in its youth.

Vintage Notes

2014 was a dream vintage for the Napa Valley along the lines of the recent outstanding vintages of 2012 and 2013. Although California’s drought brought another dry winter, the growing season started with a warm, dry spring and relatively early bud break. Summer was mild and consistent with even, warm temperatures throughout. The overall outstanding quality and fruit characteristics in this vintage will make Cabernet Sauvignon the highlight of the season. The grapes for the 2014 Quantum were harvested between September 15th and October 14th.

Winemaker's Notes

In order to create a blend that highlights the outstanding terroir of Beringer’s many Napa Valley vineyards, each vineyard lot is kept separate from the moment the grapes were harvested until final blending. In creating Quantum, the goal is to showcase an interesting mix of varietals using the foundation of Cabernet Sauvignon — the backbone of the Beringer portfolio. Approximately half of the blend comes from Howell Mountain with the balance made up of a selection of notable vineyard sites along the valley floor. The Merlot contributes round mouthfeel and soft tannins, Cabernet Franc adds great color and unique aromatics, Petite Sirah adds spice complexity, and Malbec adds silkiness and color to the final blend. The wines were aged in French oak (31 percent new barrels) for 20 months, and then in bottle for six months.