1987 Howell Mountain Merlot Bancroft Ranch

Beringer's Merlot from the Bancroft Vineyard on Howell Mountain is one of the top three or four California Merlots. The 1987 Merlot from the Bancroft Vineyard is a powerful, rich, concentrated, surprisingly large-scaled Merlot with at least a decade's worth of aging potential. While drinkable now, it is clearly not as soft as the 1988 and 1990. There is plenty of punch and tannin in the finish, but the tannin is neither astringent nor coarse. Deep ruby in color, full and impressive, this is another meritorious effort from Beringer Vineyards. Beringer continues to do everything right. Its staff of talented professionals may rank as the best in the business. Beringer possesses some experimental batches of wine that are not likely to be released outside the winery. However, given the quality of such wines as their 1992 Pinot Blanc, 1992 Melon, 1992 Pinot Gris, 1992 Auxerrois, and 1992 Viogner, they are breaking new ground in California. Moreover, prices are reasonable.