WTN: Thurston Howell

[David M. Bueker]

The Beringer Bancroft Ranch Howell Mountain Merlot was my mom’s favorite red wine for a long time, until she got hooked on Phelps Insignia. I would say that she would love this, but she prefers her wines a bit fresher. Thankfully I think the 1992 I opened tonight is amazing, and time has not completely dulled its charms. There’s still some dark berry fruit, and sufficient structure to hold it close to tobacco and earthy notes. What a lovely wine and a lovely way to evoke both of my parents, one gone and one still with me.

Not generally a Beringer fan. Not really a buyer of CA Merlot. But late 80s-90s Bancroft has been consistently pleasing. That and Mayacamas are really the only CA Merlots I ever consider. Thanks for notes

[David M. Bueker]

Nathan V is another fan of the '80s-early/mid 90s BRHM Merlot. He had a 1995 the other day that showed well. I have a 1994 standing up that I expect will be lovely, and a 1997 that might be interesting, or might be jump the shark territory.