The Cabernet Sauvignon selections begin with a reasonably priced 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight’s Valley, which can probably be found at discounters for much less than my posted price. A dark ruby/purple color is followed by sweet black currant fruit interwoven with hints of earth and oak. Fruity and soft, with excellent ripeness and a silky mouthfeel, it is a delicious Cabernet to enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Previously recommended: 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight’s Valley (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (89), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Chabot Vineyard (92), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Marston Vineyard (90+), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (94), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Quarry Vineyard (88?), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso (87), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Home Vineyard (93), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Steinhauer Vineyard (90), 2004 Chardonnay Napa (87), 2004 Chardonnay Private Reserve (92), 2004 Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release (93).Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

Beringer’s 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley is a straightforward, correct, mid-weight Cabernet that still offers pleasant drinking at ten years of age. This style of wine is generally meant for immediate consumption, so this was a positive showing for this large production cuvee. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. As I have indicated before, the Private Reserve is a blend from at least six separate vineyards owned by Beringer. Most are Howell Mountain sites, although there are two in St. Helena and one on Spring Mountain. Beringer offers their single vineyard cuvees to their private and wine list customers at the winery, and they are often worth taking a look at, as in certain vintages they can truly excel. I find it remarkable that the Beringer winemaking team continues to show their genius by the fact that their Private Reserve is always the finest of them, and it’s the one that is blended with the other single vineyards. In any event, the following is a quick synopsis of the 2003 single vineyard offerings, which are all limited in availability. Tel. (707) 963-7115