Wine Review: 2017 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Beringer Vineyards is more than just a familiar name from the supermarket wine aisle. Nothing demonstrates that fact better than the 2017 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

This iconic Napa Valley winery boasts a rich history and legacy that extends far beyond its affordable bottles. Founded in 1868 when Jacob Beringer left Mainz, Germany, and later joined by his brother Frederick, the duo purchased 215 acres in 1875, becoming pioneers in the burgeoning Napa wine scene.

Beringer History

Their European winemaking education (in France and Germany) made them aware of the importance of aging wines at a constant temperature. To achieve this, they worked arduously, boring tunnels into the rock of the hill on which they built the winery. These tunnels, which keep the temperature constant at 14.5ºC, have been used ever since to age the house's great wines.

Their dedication to excellence quickly earned them accolades, and even during Prohibition, Beringer managed to stay afloat by producing sacramental wine.

Post-Prohibition, Beringer made history by becoming Napa's first winery to offer public tours, setting a precedent that still drives the region's tourism industry today. Now under the ownership of Treasury Wine Estates, the Beringer legacy continues with Jacob's great-great-grandson, Mark Beringer, serving as the winemaker.

An Emphasis on Quality at All Price Points

Beringer has grown significantly in over a century of existence, always adhering to the quality criteria that have characterized it. Currently, in addition to those in Napa Valley, they also have vineyards and wineries in other parts of California, including Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Paso Robles. The winery has been a pioneer among Californian wineries in the production of noble varietals of French origin, and through it, quality Californian wines have been introduced to the world.

A testament to this is the number of awards and recognitions it has received from both the public and major critics and specialized publications. In 1997, Wine Spectator named it "American Winery of the Year," and its Chardonnay Private Reserve "Wine of the Year." In 1998, it was named "Best Winery for California Chardonnay," and in 1999, it was chosen by the readers of this prestigious magazine as "Most Important Winery in the United States."

These merits led the great American wine guru, Robert Parker Jr., to say in Wine Advocate in 1997 that Beringer was "an extraordinarily well-managed winery that, despite its large size, continues to behave like a small 'boutique' winery, committed to producing the best wines in the world."

A Napa Valley Destination

Visiting Beringer is like stepping into a piece of Napa Valley history. The experience can be overwhelming, with a variety of tour options and a dedicated building to guide guests. One must-visit spot is the Rhine House, an architectural marvel built in 1884 by Albert Schroepfer. This Victorian mansion with Germanic detailing houses the Reserve Tasting Bar, where visitors can sample three of Beringer's top wines. For a more intimate and educational experience, consider one of the private, seated tastings, as the engagement from the staff at the Reserve Tasting Bar might leave some desiring more. Of course, if you cannot visit, you can order wine delivery.

The 2017 Private Reserve Cabernet

The 2017 Private Reserve is truly an exceptional wine, and it has received widesread critical priase. Of course, it’s available whn you order red wine online at Bottle Barn. James Suckling awarded it 98 points. He emphasized the wine’s "beautiful purity of fruit" and the "currant and cassis aromas.”

In giving it 96 points, Jeb Dunnuck described this Napa Valley wine as "brilliant" with a "ripe, powerful style" that promises to age gracefully. He pointed out its "deep blackcurrants, dark chocolate, scorched earth, and graphite notes," emphasizing its "big, rich mid-palate" and "great finish," predicting it will benefit from a few more years in the bottle and continue to impress for decades.

Wine Enthusiast awarded it 95 points, praising its "thick and concentrated" nature, with "dense layers of cedar, pencil shaving, and currant." Wine Advocate also scored it 94 points, appreciating its "deep garnet-purple" hue and the "notions of red and black currant jelly, baker's chocolate, menthol, and spice cake." The critic remarked on its "finely grained texture" and "tons of freshness.”

Vinous described Berginer’s 2017 invention as "very pretty" with "sweet red cherry, red plum, mint, licorice, and floral notes" that create a super-expressive and inviting wine. Vinous emphasized the Private Reserve’s characters as a blend from multiple vineyard sites, primarily from Howell Mountain.

Finally, Wine Spectator described this keeper as "plush and forward," with "creamed plum and blackberry puree flavors" supported by "cocoa and warm loam notes." These amazing reviews highlight Beringer's commitment to quality and tradition, with each critic noting the wine's impressive depth, structure, and aging potential.

Today, Beringer Vineyards remains a testament to Napa Valley's storied past and its promising future. Berginer truly blends tradition with innovation to produce wines that continue to capture the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.