Beringer has hit pay dirt with the 2005 Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch, a realistically priced Pinot offering attractive dried herb, forest floor, berry fruit, and floral notes along with medium body, good tannin, and a solid, chewy texture. It should drink well for 4-5 years. Previously recommended: 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight’s Valley (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (89), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Chabot Vineyard (92), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Marston Vineyard (90+), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (94), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Quarry Vineyard (88?), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso (87), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Home Vineyard (93), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Steinhauer Vineyard (90), 2004 Chardonnay Napa (87), 2004 Chardonnay Private Reserve (92), 2004 Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release (93).Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

Heavy and dull, this wine tastes thick and lifeless, with earth, cherry, herb and rhubarb flavors, and a bitter finish.——S.H.(7/1/2008)—— 80