The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch, like the other single-vineyard Cabs in the stable, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Could it have benefited from some of the terrific Bancroft Ranch Merlot? I only ask because there are notable hints of bell pepper on the nose. Otherwise, there are some nice mocha and dark chocolate shadings layered atop concentrated cassis fruit. Full-bodied and richly tannic yet still lively and vibrant on the finish, this will benefit from a few years in the cellar.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch is made up of 100% Cabernet aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with notes of baked cherries, cassis and prunes with hints of fruitcake and baking spices plus a waft of potpourri. Full-bodied and chewy with loads of freshness, it has a rustic finish. 494 cases produced.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch opens with ripe plums, crushed blueberries and mulberries on the nose with hints of pencil lead, cigar box and dusty earth. Medium to full-bodied with a great, taut structure of grainy tannins and seamless acid, it fills the mouth with youthful complex flavors, finishing with some spices coming through.

Not so the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch from Howell Mountain. This is another of their major building blocks for the Private Reserve. The 2014 offers mulberry, graphite, spring flowers, blueberry and black raspberry fruit. It should drink nicely for at least another 15-20 years.

I will keep my notes short, but all of the following single-vineyard wines are available only to members of the Beringer Wine Club. Production of these wines is generally only several hundred cases, but all have played a small or larger role in the blending together of the Private Reserve. They are all great wines, so if you are a member and have a chance to buy them, I wouldn’t hesitate. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch was outstanding, but suffered in comparison to some of the other cuvées. They all can be approached early on (3-4 years), but will age for 25+ years. All things considered, these are all noteworthy wines to buy, but the real deal is the composite blend put together by Laurie Hook. The 2013 Private Reserve is their superstar.