1986 & 1996 Beringer "Private Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“The fully mature, open-knit 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is totally delicious. The color is dark garnet with some amber at the edge. The big, sweet, licorice, earthy, jammy, black fruit-scented nose is followed by a full-bodied, sweet, expansive, chewy wine with no hard edges. The acidity and tannin are both well-integrated in this plump, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon. (RP)” (08/1996)

“The 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has a touch of harsh, volatile acidity on the nose, yet it comes through nicely on the palate, with plenty of dark fruits, licorice, and violets flavors. It's slightly over the hill yet still brings good fruit and texture, with resolved tannins.” (08/2021)

“Aromas of redcurrant, dried flowers, truffle and camphor. In this dry, warm year featuring an early harvest, Beringer used almost all mountain fruit to make its Private Reserve. Still a bit clenched in the mouth owing to slightly spiky acidity on entry, but the middle palate reveals strong mineral and brambly berry flavors. (ST) 90+” (07/2015)

“Complex aromas of dried currant, anise, herb and tar are rich and elegant on the palate, with the tannins softening. Has excellent structure. (JL)” (05/2007)