The 2011 Merlot reveals some of the problems encountered by the valley floor vineyards. Notes of herbs, baking spices, mocha and sweet and sour cherries emerge from this pretty, but lighter-styled Merlot that is best consumed, uncritically, over the next several years. Despite the enormity of this enterprise (multiple wineries and a global network), the flagship estate in northern California, Beringer Vineyards, continues to be in very capable winemaking hands, and the quality of the wines remains exceptionally impressive, particularly when you look at some of the huge production numbers of their lower priced offerings. The red wines currently in the market are from the challenging 2011 vintage. As for the Private Reserve Cabernets, production can vary significantly depending on the vintage, from around 8,000 cases to nearly twice that in an abundant year. As for the single vineyard wines, I will keep my notes short as these are only available to members of the Beringer Wine Club. I was surprised by how strongly all these 2011s performed, but three of the single vineyards are on Howell Mountain. These are all excellent wines, but it seems to me that the Private Reserve, a blend of the best lots from these sources, always turns out to be Beringer’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon. Tel. (707) 963-8989