97
Points
Technical info
Alcohol
15.1%
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 2% Malbec
Appellation
Napa Valley
Oak treatment
Aged 22 months.
Winemaking
The Beringer reserve vineyards offer Cabernet Sauvignon fruit 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 French
oak barrels (64% new). Each lot was aged for 22 months before selection of the final blend, to allow each
vineyard to express the depth of its unique terroir.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season started early, with extended periods of sunny weather and late, but much-needed
rain. Because of low humidity, high heat, and high winds that began in early May, it was expected to be a
drought year. However, it turned more seasonal, with normal temperatures in the summer. Even ripening
and lower yields led to one of the earliest harvest starts with the grapes showing intense fruit flavor
development. Once harvest began, we saw clear skies through September and well into October before
some early rain. As with previous vintages of Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, each vineyard lot is
closely monitored during the ripening period to determine the ideal pick time. Grapes for this 2021 Private Reserve was picked between September 15 and October 4.
Vineyards
The 2021 Private Reserve is primarily crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from four premium
appellations within Napa Valley. Our St. Helena Home Vineyard estate and Chabot Vineyard, also in St.
Helena, provide a core of dark red berry fruit, supported by a lifted floral bouquet, as well as round, rich
character and warmth. Our Howell Mountain vineyards, Steinhauer Ranch, and Bancroft Ranch, provide
structure and depth. Additional sourcing from Borrow Pit Vineyard at Gamble Ranch in Oakville, as well
as Lampyridae Vineyard in Mt. Veeder, rounds out the blend. The blending varietals, Malbec and Merlot,
are sourced from Bancroft Ranch in Howell Mountain, which provides structure and supple dark fruit.
The Cabernet Franc was sourced from Steinhauer Ranch and Bancroft Ranch in Howell Mountain.
