Production: 9,700 cases; Alcohol: 14.5%; Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: October 12 to November 17. Composed of 31% Bancroft Ranch, 25% St. Helena Home Vineyard, 17% Steinhauer Ranch, 8% Rancho del Oso, and smaller amounts from Marston Ranch, Chabot Vineyard and Lampyridae, the 2005 is one of my all-time favorite Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserves. A late, long harvest followed a cold summer, late flowering and no heat until September and October. However, the end of the growing season was nearly perfect, hence the late harvest. Winemakers Ed Sbragia and Laurie Hook had the patience to wait for full phenolic maturity, which is evident in this great Private Reserve. Still a baby in terms of development, it is reminiscent of a first or second-growth Pauillac. Celestial notes of black currants, camphor, graphite, cocoa, white chocolate and spice box are all present in this full-bodied, extravagantly rich, multidimensional Cabernet. Although still primary, it is very classic with terrific purity, texture and length. It will need another decade to hit full maturity, but should easily last 15-20 years thereafter.

Beringer’s 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve comes from the top selection from all their different holdings, with each vineyard aged separately for close to two years, then blended for quality. This blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc is a gorgeous example of the Private Reserve. Of course, it probably suffers from the fact that Beringer is part of a gigantic international conglomerate, but this is just a stunning wine – inky purple, with plenty of cassis, a hint of espresso, subtle background oak and forest notes. The color is opaque and the wine full-bodied and opulent, with sweet tannin and a multilayered mouthfeel. It has silky tannins, good freshness and uplifting acid, which should ensure a considerable longevity of 15-20 additional years. This is a stunner.

So far, 2005 hasn’t been a great year for Beringer’s Bordeaux-style wines, and the Private Reserve is a disappointment, although it’s still a good wine. A bit tough and gritty now, it shows medicinal cherry and currant flavors, and the tannins have an edge of greenness. With its dry, sharp finish, it might develop complexities over the years.——S.H.(5/1/2009)—— 87