Review: Beringer 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley and 2022 Chardonnay Private Reserve
Even though it may be one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the United States, our coverage of Napa Valley’s iconic Beringer is still relatively new. The winery has an expansive portfolio, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot, among others, with grapes sourced from all over the region spanning a variety of price points. Today we’re taking a closer look at two of its offerings: a Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley and its top-of-line Private Reserve Chardonnay.
2022 Beringer Vineyards Chardonnay Private Reserve – Vibrant and elegant, this Oakville Chardonnay leads with aromas of orange blossom and gardenia and pivots to a palate featuring layers of mango, light lime, and pineapple. All before a touch of oak and minerality make appearances on the balanced, lingering finish. It checks all the boxes expected of a Chardonnay of this pedigree and reputation and is certainly a bottle worthy of special occasions and guests. A- / $50
2021 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley – This year’s vintage features the same construction as the 2020 vintage: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. Similar to Robert’s assessment of the 2020 vintage, this is big on plum notes at first, and waiting around a few minutes allows for notes of dark fruit and chocolate to emerge. The palate is full-bodied with firm, juicy tannins and good acidity framing a balanced blackberry cassis, baking spice, and vanilla palate. It’s great now, but I can’t help but wonder if another year or two in storage would see this bottle evolve to higher level. B+ / $35
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