2017 Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA

(94 Points) Composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve springs from the glass with notions of red and black currant jelly, baker's chocolate, menthol and spice cake plus hints of violets, cedar and kirsch in the undercurrent. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a firm, finely grained texture with tons of freshness backing up the generous fruit, finishing long and perfumed. (LPB) Wine Advocate Review Date: 08/2020

TASTING NOTES: A deeply colored and rich wine with substantial backbone and structure will make this 2017 vintage continue to reward after years of careful cellaring. With bright notes of black currant and blackberries and a lush, juicy mouthfeel, this wine is also very approachable in its youth. Complex layers of black fruit and notes of cocoa powder, graphite and light smoky oak mingle well with notes of espresso and vanilla. The ripe tannins support a full structure with balanced acidity leaving a lingering, elegant finish.

VINTAGE: The year began with abundant rainfall, followed by a mild Spring. A Labor Day weekend heatwave kicked harvest into high gear followed by a cool weather break which allowed sugar levels to return to optimum normal level. By October nearly 90 percent of our grapes were harvested when fierce winds fueled the 2017 firestorm. Napa Valley's winemakers remain committed to making some the world's finest wines and early articles about the 2017 vintage describe the wines with words such as "finesse," "great complexity of flavor," and "elegant.“

VINEYARD: Steinhauer Ranch (24%), Bancroft Ranch (21%), Pauli (12%) and Marc Mondavi Ranch (5%) vineyards atop Howell Mountain provide the foundation for the 2017 blend. Fruit from the St. Helena Home Vineyard (15%) and Chabot Vineyard (9%) add the warmth of the St. Helena appellation. Exceptional fruit from Oakville’s Borrow Pit Vineyard (6%) join contributions from Spring Mountain’s Marston Vineyard (5%), Diamond Mountain’s Armstrong Ranch (2%) and Mount Veeder’s Derr Family Vineyard (1%). Grapes for the 2017 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between September 15th and October 24th.