Ryan Rech is Beringer’s Chief Winemaker and General Manager. He led the winemaking team at Souvrain before working alongside the legendary winemaker Margo Van Staaveren at Chateau St. Jean. After honing his skills, Ryan joined Beringer Vineyards in 2016 as Luxury Red Winemaker crafting wines from the Knight’s Valley estate. He was elevated to chief winemaker at Beringer in 2021.

The first Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay was crafted by former chief winemakers Myron Nightingale and Ed Sbragia in 1978. It achieved cult status at the time. These vineyards were planted at Gamble Ranch in Oakville in 1976. This Chardonnay undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. The medium yellow color display red apple blossoms and a whiff of honeysuckle. Within the creamy core is lemon curd, honeycomb, shaved almonds and a hint of freshness that pulls everything together. The wine is extremely well balanced with many savory layers.

By W Peter Hoyne