2014 PRIVATE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY
With each vintage of the acclaimed Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the Beringer winemaker chooses the best lots from our reserve vineyards in the Napa Valley, each of which demonstrates remarkable expression of terroir. Beringer’s extraordinary collection of vineyards is the result of a significant and decades-long relationship between viticulture and winemaking.

VINEYARDS
Bancroft Ranch and Steinhauer Ranch vineyards atop Howell Mountain provide the foundation (62%) for the 2014 blend. A significant portion (20%) comes from the St. Helena Home Vineyard, as well as the Chabot Vineyard in the St. Helena AVA. Marston Ranch Vineyard on Spring Mountain and Derr Family Vineyard on Mount Veeder both provide 7% each to the final blend, and finally, 4% of the Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Kenefick Vineyard in Calistoga. Each lot is closely watched during the ripening period to determine ideal pick time. Grapes for the 2014 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between September 11th and October 10th.

WINEMAKING
The Beringer reserve vineyards offer Cabernet Sauvignon of such 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 French Nevers oak (82% new). Each lot was aged for 20 months before selection of the final blend, to allow each vineyard to express the depth of its unique terroir.

TASTING NOTES
Open and approachable, with soft and silky tannins, this expression of Private Reserve shows plenty of dark fruit aromas and flavors, with blueberry, blackberry and black cherry much in evidence alongside aromas of violets, licorice and evident oak spice. Wonderful upon release, the wine will reward patient aging for many years.

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