97
Points
Technical info
Alcohol
14.6%
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking
The Beringer reserve vineyards offer Cabernet Sauvignon of such high quality that a minimalist approach
to winemaking has long defined this special blend. Each vineyard is vinified separately and monitored
carefully from the moment the fruit comes into the winery at Harvest. Tailored pump-over techniques
are used for optimal extraction, and the wine is aged in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of new
French oak (58% new). Each lot was aged for 21 months before selection of the final blend, to allow each
vineyard to express the depth of its unique terroir.
Vintage
The first half of the 2022 harvest started calm and early, with healthy vineyards offering fruit with bright
acidity, fruit-forward flavors, and strong yields for white varietals and thin-skinned reds,like Pinot Noir.
Then, California experienced a historic heat wave in early September that ramped up the pace of ripening,
resulting in a fast and furious harvest as winemakers worked to pick fruit at its best quality. Fortunately,
strong vines and proactive irrigation helped many vineyards survive the heat. The second half was much
more predictable with cooler temperatures through October, so that later-ripening red varieties, such as
Petit Verdot, could develop their full flavor and tannin profile.
Vineyards
The 2022 Private Reserve is primarily crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from four premium
appellations within Napa Valley. Our Howell Mountain vineyards shine in this blend – most notably
Steinhauer Ranch and Bancroft Ranch—which contribute structure and depth. Our estate vineyards in
St. Helena—Home Vineyard and Chabot Vineyard—provide a core of dark red berry fruit, supported by
a lifted floral bouquet, as well as round, rich character and warmth. Additional fruit from Borrow Pit
Vineyard at Gamble Ranch in Oakville and Lampyridae Vineyard on Mt. Veeder rounds out the blend. The
blending varietals are also sourced from premium vineyard sites. Cabernet Franc comes from Steinhauer
Ranch and Bancroft Ranch in Howell Mountain. Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec are sourced from
Bancroft Ranch in Howell Mountain, contributing structure and supple dark fruit.
