The 2008 Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch exhibits pomegranate, black cherry, raspberry, and rose petal-like notes in its medium-bodied, slightly tart, but authentic Pinot character. Drink it over the next several 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

The 2007 Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch offers a dark ruby color followed by aromas of pomegranate, plum, underbrush, and earth. Medium-bodied with very good fruit as well as an attractive finish, it should drink well for 4-5 years. Beringer continues to turn out an impressive array of wines, proving that a gigantic global operation can be focused on quality and character. Beringer’s Pinot Noir program continues to show more and more promise. Beringer’s Cabernet Sauvignon program includes two outstanding bargains, one from Knight’s Valley and one from Napa. They are both serious Cabernet Sauvignons meant to be drunk young, but both are capable of lasting a decade or more. For their Private Club members, Beringer offers approximately 200 cases of all the single vineyards that go into their Private Reserve cuvee. I’ll keep my tasting notes brief since these wines are only available to Private Club members. However, it is always interesting that, aside from two or three of the single vineyards, the Private Reserve final blend is always the finest wine of the group. This has been proven time and time again at these tastings.Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

Beringer’s dark ruby-hued 2006 Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch is one of the finest examples of this varietal the winery has produced. Sweet cherry and forest floor aromas are attractively forward in this medium-bodied, plump Pinot. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Previously recommended: 2005 Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release (93), 2005 Chardonnay Private Reserve (93), 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (92).Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

Beringer has hit pay dirt with the 2005 Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch, a realistically priced Pinot offering attractive dried herb, forest floor, berry fruit, and floral notes along with medium body, good tannin, and a solid, chewy texture. It should drink well for 4-5 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