Production: 9,066 cases; Alcohol: 14.6%; Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: September 29 to November 7. The 2006 was made from 32% Bancroft Ranch, 24% Steinhauer Ranch, 19% St. Helena Home Vineyard, with smaller amounts from Rancho del Oso, Chabot Vineyard, Marston Ranch and Lampyridae. A big heat wave in July was the salient weather factor in this vintage. The harvest began early and continued for five weeks. Abundant smoke, chocolate, espresso roast, cassis and mocha characteristics are found in this full-bodied, powerful, layered Cabernet. Although not quite as seamless as the nearly perfect 2005 Private Reserve, it is a big, dense beauty from a somewhat forgotten Napa Valley vintage. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades or more.

The 2006 vintage was not kind to Beringer’s Cabernets, and this esteemed bottling is no exception. It’s tough and gritty, the kind of wine that may have a future but whose present is not particularly acceptable at this price. Extreme tannins lock it down. Tastes almost old-fashioned. But it does have a rich vein of blackberries and black currants, and who knows? It could come around after many years.——S.H.(6/1/2010)—— 88