Brief Tasting at Beringer

Beringer Private Reserve 2003-Very much the red fruit side of Napa Cab, raspberry with some curranty goodness. I like the weight of these Cabs-this is definitely a medium weight, elegant, and not over the top when compared to some of the monster cult wines. The oak does show up a bit on the finish, but the vanilla is not overwhelming and I really like the wine. Is it worth the price? Probably not. Oh well...I have two in my cellar.

Beringer Bancroft Merlot (Howell Mountain) 2002. When I first tried this wine six months ago, I didn't "get" it. It was a little too brambly then. Now, the wine is becoming interesting. Plenty of raspberry and blackberry fruit. Medium-rich mouth feel. What I'm liking is a very distinct savory element is now appearing in the mid palate and finish. I'm wondering if this is a Merlot that merits significant aging? It may rank up there with my single favorite American Merlot of all time-the 1995 Farella Park Orchard Block. A nice discovery!

I also tried again the 1998 Quartz Vineyard Cabernet. Lovely rich wine-a bit heavier and richer than the Private Reserve, actually. Delicious.

Finally, I sampled for the first time a delicious nectar, the beringer Nightingale (70% Semillion, 30% S. Blanc). Wow. What a lovely rich desert wine, full of peach and citrus flavros with nice acidity. Delicious!