WTN: Anne Bancroft

[David M. Bueker]

1995 Beringer Vineyards Merlot Bancroft Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (2/26/2023)
From my late father’s cellar, and shared with my mom who considered the 1992 of this bottling to be her “epiphany” wine. While a little short on fruit, this was not short on savory, overall flavor and polish. Just a gorgeous presentation, and deep, long sustain that carried earth, soy and saline - a total umami bomb. Properly cellared since release, so I suspect reports of bottles with ample fruit are just the even luckier side of the draw. That said, mom and I finished this off in short order.

I like old Beringers but unless cellar conditions have been ideal that is probably pushing it for merlot. I still have a fair bit of cab from the early 90s and it was holding up very well (last time I checked).

[David M. Bueker]

I like old Beringers but unless cellar conditions have been ideal that is probably pushing it for merlot. I still have a fair bit of cab from the early 90s and it was holding up very well (last time I checked).

Cellaring has been very good. Lots of Reserve Cabs here as well. Probably having one later this week.

[Jenise]

Early in my wine life, somewhere in the early 90's that is, a Beringer Bancroft was that merlot that gave me a whole new respect for the grape. Btw, I took a '94 Beringer Pinot (Stanly Ranch) to a blind tasting on Sunday night. It was superb! On the youthful side, had that essence of immortality. Really great.