2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve
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(14.5% alcohol): Bright, full dark ruby. Expressive nose combines blackberry, black cherry, licorice and minerals. Suave and silky on entry, then classically dry in the middle palate, with complex mineral and floral nuances adding interest to the dark fruit and chocolate flavors. Not overly thick or concentrated but wonderfully harmonious in the context of the vintage. Substantial broad tannins are perfectly supported by the wine's texture and material. Finishes with subtle, slowly rising length. An impressive showing but there's more ahead.
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(14.5% alcohol; 80% St. Helena, 18% Steinhauer, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc): Healthy medium ruby. High-pitched aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and exotic flowers, with a hint of licorice pastille and a cool medicinal quality. In a rather broad style, showing good energy as well as a faint greenness to the flavors of blackberry and candied violet. Finishes with substantial tongue-coasting tannins. Showing moderate complexity now, this rather laid-back wine needs time in bottle to evolve and blossom. Made mostly from fruit in Beringer's Home vineyard in St. Helena. Just 1,211 cases made.
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a complete, layered wine. An open, expressive bouquet leads to dark red cherries, savory herbs, minerals, graphite and menthol. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame the long finish. This, too, could use additional bottle age to come together. The fruit was predominantly sourced from the Home Vineyard in St. Helena. The final blend includes a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a complete, layered wine. An open, expressive bouquet leads to dark red cherries, savory herbs, minerals, graphite and menthol. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame the long finish. This, too, could use additional bottle age to come together. The fruit was predominantly sourced from the Home Vineyard in St. Helena. The final blend includes a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Tel. (707) 963-7115