Beringer now produces three separate cuvees of Chardonnay: Napa, Private Reserve and Sbragia. The Private Reserve Chardonnay is between Napa and Sbragia in quality. In issue #95 I highly touted the superb 1992, and readers will be happy to learn that the 1993 Private Reserve Chardonnay is as delicious. The 1993 offers a bold, buttery, richly fruity nose, full-bodied, creamy, fleshy flavors, decent acidity, and a whoppingly long finish. It will be released in February, 1995.
It is especially admirable when a winery the size, stature, and importance of Beringer continues to push the quality of its offerings to greater and greater heights. Given how successful this property has become, it would be easy to rest on its already sterling reputation, but no one at this historic winery appears satisfied with maintaining the status quo. Beringer has been on an amazing hot streak. Even more remarkable, given the huge diversity of high quality wines that emerge from this winery, consumers will find that upcoming releases are even more compelling than previous Beringer offerings - high praise indeed! Additionally, small experimental lots of dazzling wines such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Viognier, and Melon, sold only at the winery, prove that Beringer intends to produce more than world class Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.
Given the tiny quantities (under 50 cases) of 1992 Pinot Gris, 1992 Pinot Blanc, 1992 Pinot Auxerrois, and 1992 Melon made, it is sufficient to say that if you ever visit Beringer and notice any of these wines for sale, do not hesitate to buy a few bottles. The blockbuster, rich, honeyed, orange, concentrated 1992 Pinot Blanc (91) and the more mineral-scented, enticing, rich 1992 Pinot Auxerrois (91) are terrific efforts.
After sixteen years of visiting the world's best wine producers, I cannot think of too many cellars where I have walked out shaking my head at such an extraordinary range of quality as I have seen at Beringer on my two most recent visits!
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