In an effort to provide our collectors with up to date information on our wines, Beringer Chief Winemaker Laurie Hook is delighted to share regular updated tasting notes on Private Reserve Cabernet.
A very wet winter and spring and cool weather in July and August that slowed the ripening of the fruit made for a difficult vintage. The crop was above normal in size, despite rain during harvest. The latest ripening Cabernet Sauvignon produced wines of good flavor and color extract. The Private Reserve was blended from wines from Chabot, State Lane and St. Helena (later called Home) vineyards. The wine shows clarity of fruit concentration with aromatic violets on the nose, cherry, spice and mint flavors and considerable tannin.
PR Cab components: 40% State Lane, 30% Chabot, 25% St. Helena Home, 5% Knights Valley
Winemaster Emeritus, Ed Sbragia, Chief Winemaker, Laurie Hook and Assistant Winemaker, Chris Louton share their thoughts as they taste through the Beringer Retrospective. This is a great opportunity to hear what the winemakers say today about the older vintage wines.
Has lots of time left, yet showing very nicely right now
Cherry, cassis, “Brambleberry", bit of licorice with sweet tanning
Still tastes young, certain elegance about it
“I always liked this vintage” – ed (rainy vintage)
1977 
