When I was in northern California the week before Thanksgiving, the rumors that were swirling about the impending sale of Beringer by its international corporate owner, Nestle, to an investment consortium proved true when the sale was announced. Let's hope the new owners maintain the status quo, as Beringer has had an exceptional run of highly successful wines since the mid-eighties. Considering the diversity of wines produced, I would be hard pressed to single out another winery that has enjoyed as much success as Beringer has over the last decade.
With the exception of a chunky, overly-oaked Pinot Noir, it is impossible to find anything less than top-flight at Beringer, with many of the firm's wines undeniably special. With respect to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer could teach a few things to some of its neighbors, as these varietals soar to the heights of quality at this winery. Beringer's most glorious red wines are their three estate wines, the Bancroft Vineyard Merlot, the Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and their limited production (800-1000 cases), blockbuster Chabot Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Beringer's 25-acre Chabot Vineyard produces some of the most extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon from California. The 1993 Chabot Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is very good, but it gets lost when tasted in the company of the 1994, 1992, and 1991. Although it is a big wine, it is not as concentrated or impressive as the other three vintages. Beringer has once again proven that they are one of the qualitative leaders in California as they continue to turn out reference point wines - not only for California, but the world. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-5054
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