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. The 100% barrel-fermented Meritage (a blend of equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc) is aged in 50% new oak. A lot of lees stirring ( or batonage as the French say) is done to produce a fleshy, medium to full-bodied, full-blown white Bordeaux style that in some vintages resembles the pure Sauvignon - Pavillon Blanc produced at Chateau Margaux. The rich 1994 Meritage exhibits plenty of waxy, fleshy, corpulent Semillon that is well-balanced by zesty Sauvignon. Dry, rich, and beautifully pure, it should drink well for 2-4 years. 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

Beringer will be releasing a 1993 Meritage White from Knight's Valley made from 56% Sauvignon Blanc and 44% Semillon. This nearly outstanding wine displays a forceful, boldly stated nose of waxy, lusciously ripe fruit, full body, excellent purity and vibrance, and an exuberant, dry, lengthy finish. It should drink well for several years.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 and the more mineral-scented, enticing, rich 1992 Pinot Auxerrois 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!Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-5054.

Beringer has consistently made fine Sauvignon Blancs, but in 1991 the wine is officially a Meritage since an important component of this juicy, succulent, tasty wine is Semillon.