Beringer has backed off the quantity of oak used in the Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release, and the 2008 is all the better for it. Subtle pain grille and smoke notes are accompanied by opulent tropical fruit, buttered brioche, roasted nuts, and plenty of citrus oil and honeysuckle notes. It should drink nicely for 3-4 years. As I have written in the past, Beringer offers between 200-250 cases of each of their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons that go into their Private Reserve program. Interestingly, as good as the single vineyard cuvees tend to be, and they’re all very different, the Private Reserve blend is as good or better than the finest single vineyard, demonstrating that the blending process is essential and important. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735