2012 & 2014 Beringer "Private Reserve" Napa Valley Chardonnay

“The Chardonnay Private Reserve became famous under the helmsmanship of chief winemaker Ed Sbragia, and Laurie Hook has refined it ever so slightly by somewhat backing off the oak, and maintaining the depth and richness, but with more precision and refinement. The full-bodied 2012 Chardonnay Private Reserve exhibits wonderful orange blossom, white peach and pineapple fruit, a subtle touch of vanillin and toast, and a nicely layered, pure style with terrific fruit intensity. It is a great value, especially if you compare its quality to just about any premier cru or grand cru white Burgundy selling for 2-10 times as much. Drink now. (RP) .” (10/2014)

“Shows off seductive notes of smoky, toasty oak and cream, with fresh, rich, vibrant fruit to match. The flavors of poached pear, fig, honeydew melon, spice and black licorice all fold together on a long, pure, persistent finish. Drink now through 2020. 24,000 cases made.” (06/2014)

“(14.7% alcohol; 80% new French oak; full malo): Bright, light yellow. Tight nose offers scents of lemon oil, white peach and stone; higher-pitched and less obviously oaky than the Luminis bottling. At once thick and vibrant on the palate, offering a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity. Richer, deeper and more complete than the Luminis, filling the mouth with citrus and stone fruit flavor without coming off as heavy. Long on the finish” (05/2014)

“This is classic Beringer Private Reserve Chard, ripe, oaky, lush, balanced and utterly delicious. There’s a lot of everything, from massive tropical and citrus fruits to creamy lees. The malolactic fermentation helps make it buttery and 80% new French oak brings buttered toast and vanilla-bean richness. Balance comes by way of acidity and minerality.” (04/2014)

“The 2012 Chardonnay Private Reserve is the biggest and richest of the Beringer Chardonnays. Tropical fruit, butterscotch and French oak nuances dominate in an ample, broad Chardonnay built on volume. This lineup from Beringer and winemaker Laurie Hook is commendable for many reasons, chief among them a number of large production value-priced gems that deliver fabulous quality for the money. Of course, most of the flagship wines are terrific, but it is the performance of the entry-level wines that is particularly remarkable.” (10/2014)

“The flagship is the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve and it's a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec that’s mostly from Howell Mountain, with small lots from St Helena, Spring Mountain, Mount Veeder, and Calistoga. Aged 20 months in 82% new French oak, it sports an inky, opaque color to go with killer notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, hints of oak, graphite and minerality. Rich, full-bodied and beautifully concentrated, it's tight and backward, and is more reminiscent of a 2013 than a 2014. It has the purity to drink nicely today, yet needs 4-5 years of cellaring to show its potential.” (12/2017)

“A fresh, fruity nose brings out notes of white flowers, golden apples and a certain touch of oak. This leads into a round, savoury palate loaded with new oak characteristics, hints of butter and butterscotch, a touch of apple and peach and a long finish.” (09/2016)

“Aromas of blueberry and blackberry character. Hints of dark fruit, violets and stones. Full-bodied, powerful and dense with beautiful fruit concentration and silky tannins. Shows reserve and finesse with structure. Better in 2021.” (05/2017)

“The fruit is ripe and juicy, seemingly sweet and shaded by spicy, toasty oak, allowing tiers of flavors to unfold in a graceful, elegant and understated manner. (JL)” (11/2016)

“Crème brulée, apricot, honey and lightly tropical notes give the 2014 Chardonnay Private Reserve much of its distinctive personality. The Private Reserve is all Gamble fruit and saw about 75-80% new French oak. In 2014, the Private Reserve is a touch restrained, but it is quite attractive just the same. (AG)” (12/2016)