Established in 1876, Beringer is California's oldest continuously operating winery. It all began in 1868 when Jacob emigrated from Mainz, Germany to New York and then later to Napa Valley. After being a cellar foreman for Charles Krug Winery, Jacob and his brother Frederick purchased 215 acres of land next to Charles Krug in St Helena. This would become the home for the estate. Their first release occurred in 1876. Beringer was the first winery in the world to receive Wine Spectator’s #1 Winery of the year for their red and white wines (1986 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the 1994 Private Reserve Chardonnay)

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend from seven estate vineyards with 60% coming from Howell Mountain fruit, which is fully expressed in this bottling. This wine reveals an opaque hue with a dark garnet rim and a hint of lavender aromas. The crushed, ripe black orchard fruits take center stage all the way through the finish. The sappy black fruit concentration is accented with sweet oak, charcoal, chocolate fudge and graphite. The intensity and concentration of this wine speak to the high percentage of Howell Mountain in the blend. The richly grained tannins and youthful nature of this wine will reach a glorious potential with additional aging.

By W Peter Hoyne