The attractive as well as reasonably priced 2008 Meritage is a Knight’s Valley blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aromas of smoked herbs, licorice, graphite, cocoa and sweet black cherries are offered in a supple, round, medium-bodied style. This 2008 can be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years. As always, Beringer sells all their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons that make up the blend for the Private Reserve to their VIP customers at the winery or through their mailing list. Interestingly, each year when I taste through these wines, the sum of the individual parts is always the best wine. In short, the Private Reserve always seems to outscore and show more complexity than most of the single vineyard Cabernets. Nevertheless, it is an exercise in single vineyard terroirs and is an interesting process. Usually there are around 250 cases of each of these single vineyard offerings. The single vineyard offerings are all noteworthy, and analytically, they are more similar than dissimilar. The alcohols range from a low of 14.5% to 14.9%. Not surprisingly, one of my favorites, the Bancroft Ranch, was the largest component part of the Private Reserve.Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

Beringer is turning out some excellent to outstanding Meritage blends, which are mostly Merlot-based wines. The 1994 is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown in the Knight's Valley. Fat, rich, and ripe, it should ensure that Merlot fans have a steady fix of high quality Merlot for the next several years.Tel. (707) 963-7115