Nose
The enticing aromas of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, fresh tobacco, brown spice and sweet mint are profound in the glass.
Palate
Dense and well-structured, its supple tannins are complemented by notes of espresso, mocha and balanced with a silky and elegant finish.
Growing Conditions
The 2013 vintage began with a warm, dry spring and relatively early bud break. Summer was notably consistent with even, warm temperatures throughout. Harvest began quite early in August, and by September the majority of whites and lighter reds were completely off the vines. Cool yet sunny weather in October allowed the final grapes on the vine to linger and develop great phenolic and flavor maturities while maintaining steady sugar levels. Overall, it was a high quality crop that was above average in quantity.
Steinhauer vineyard provides the foundation (45%) for the 2013 blend, which has been part of the Private Reserve blend since 1993. A significant portion (22%) comes from Bancroft Ranch atop Howell Mountain as well, and another portion (6%) comes from the St. Helena Home vineyard, which was part of the original acreage that founders Jacob and Frederick Beringer purchased in 1875 with the Beringer estate. Each lot is closely watched during the ripening period to determine ideal pick time. Grapes for the 2013 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between September 25th and October 22nd.
Winemaking
The Beringer reserve vineyards offer Cabernet Sauvignon of such quality that a minimalist approach to winemaking has long defined this special blend. Each vineyard is vinified separately and monitored carefully from the moment the fruit comes into the winery at Harvest. Tailored pump-over techniques are used for optimal extraction, and the wine is aged in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of new French Nevers oak (84% new). Each lot was aged for 20 months before selection of the final blend, to allow each vineyard to express the depth of its unique terroir.
