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International Wine Cellar
Author: Stephen Tanzer
Issue: Issue 138
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($116; about 60% of the blend is now from Howell Mountain fruit) Good bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, minerals and sweet spices. Lush and creamy, with explosive, fully ripe dark fruit and mineral flavors and terrific back-end lift. Finishes with big, broad, fine-grained tannins and impressive length. The goal here is not to make an early-drinking wine but one with sweet tannins and thoroughly ripe fruit, notes winemaker Laurie Hook, but I find this sexy from the start.
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Wine Advocate
Author: Robert Parker
Issue: 195
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Production: 9,700 cases; Alcohol: 14.5%; Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: October 12 to November 17. Composed of 31% Bancroft Ranch, 25% St. Helena Home Vineyard, 17% Steinhauer Ranch, 8% Rancho del Oso, and smaller amounts from Marston Ranch, Chabot Vineyard and Lampyridae, the 2005 is one of my all-time favorite Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserves. A late, long harvest followed a cold summer, late flowering and no heat until September and October. However, the end of the growing season was nearly perfect, hence the late harvest. Winemakers Ed Sbragia and Laurie Hook had the patience to wait for full phenolic maturity, which is evident in this great Private Reserve. Still a baby in terms of development, it is reminiscent of a first or second-growth Pauillac. Celestial notes of black currants, camphor, graphite, cocoa, white chocolate and spice box are all present in this full-bodied, extravagantly rich, multidimensional Cabernet. Although still primary, it is very classic with terrific purity, texture and length. It will need another decade to hit full maturity, but should easily last 15-20 years thereafter.
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Wine Spectator
Author: James Laube
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Offers richness, concentration and depth while remaining elegant and supple, focusing on the ripe, spicy currant, mineral, herb and sage notes. Ends with a measure of finesse and polish, with the right mix of tannins.
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