Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 70% new French oak for 21 months, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Vogt Vineyard opens with notions of baked blackcurrants, plum preserves and blueberry compote with touches of fallen leaves, tapenade and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied with layers of earthy-laced black fruit, it has a chewy frame and savory finish. 488 cases produced.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vogt Vineyard has an intensely spicy nose with notes of cinnamon, anise, fenugreek and pepper over a core of warm black and red currants with waft of sandalwood. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, chewy tannins and great freshness cutting through the liquid spice flavors, finishing long.

The only somewhat disappointing of the single vineyard wines was the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Vogt Vineyard, which seemed somewhat monolithic and compact compared to its siblings. Certainly, there is good depth, fruit and structure, but it just didn’t sing.

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. Another great single-vineyard is the 15-acre 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Vogt Vineyard on Howell Mountain. This wasn’t harvested until close to mid-October. The wine is dense, full, powerful and rich with an incredibly high level of alcohol at 15.7 %. 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.

The sensational, dense 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Vogt Vineyard offers lots of mulberry, blackberry, graphite and charcoal notes. This gorgeous offering comes from a source that is relatively new blending material for the Private Reserve. Drink this full-bodied beauty between now and 2032.