Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Private Reserve Bancroft Ranch

WA: 91

Wine Advocate Score

Original Score: 91
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ST: 93

Stephen Tanzer Score

Original Score: 93
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RP: 91

Robert Parker Score

Original Score: 91
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WS: 97

Wine Spectator Score

Original Score: 97
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WE: 95

Wine Enthusiast Score

Original Score: 95
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JR: 80

Jancis Robinson Score

Original Score: 16
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Blanchards Wine & Spirits Marshfield	USD 99.99 $99.⁹⁹ 750ml
301 Wines	USD 95.90 $95.⁹⁰ 750ml

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Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Private Reserve Bancroft Ranch 1996

Winemaker's Notes:

Vinifying the fruit from each vineyard separately, Ed and his winemaking partner Laurie Hook used gentle pump-over techniques for optimal extraction, and then aged the wines in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of new French Nevers oak. The wines went through 100% malolactic fermentation for added complexity and softness, and were aged just over two years before Ed selected the blend - 48% Steinhauer Ranch, 23% St. Helena Home Ranch, 8% Marston Vineyard, 7% Bancroft Ranch, 6% Rancho del Oso, and 2% Chabot. Also added to the blend is a touch of Cabernet Franc (6%) from Bancroft and Steinhauer Ranches. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, cedar and dark chocolate transition to rich expressions of black fruit, vanilla and brown spices on the palate as ripe supple tannins linger throughout the extracted and long finish.

Region: USA » California » Napa » Howell Mountain

Vintages

1996
2004

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Winery: Beringer Vineyards

Color: Red

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

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Beringer Vineyards:

It is impossible to take Beringer’s long history lightly. With their 215 acre plot of land purchased in 1875 and the winery founded in 1876, Jacob and Frederick Beringer’s winery is the oldest continually operating winery in Napa Valley. In 2001, it was named a historic district in the National Register for Historic Places. Current winemaker Laurie Hook and winemaster Ed Sbragia continue to draw from over a dozen vineyards to create world-class wines from varying soil compositions and climates. The winery managed to survive, and even thrive, during Prohibition by selling sacramental wines with a federal license. Since the wine was being made for religious purposes, it was legal! A unique aspect of Beringer is the tunnel system that was carved into the side of Spring Mountain around 1880. Chinese immigrant workers, the same workers that helped build the Trans-Continental Railroad, spent years hand-chiseling the 1,200 feet of tunnels. To this day, the tunnels act as a natural insulator, keeping the temperature between 58 and 60 degrees year-round, ideal for storing wine. Read less

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External Reviews for Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Private Reserve Bancroft Ranch

Source: JJ Buckley Fine Wines

07/17/2011

Dark ruby garnet color with a purple core and vibrant purple rim. A classical cabernet perfume lifts from the glass, featuring blackberry and cassis accented by vanilla bean, mocha, and an underlying earthy profile of loamy clay. The palate is vibran... Andy Frieden. A Cabernet Sauvignon wine from California in USA. 1996 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 750ml

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Source: JJ Buckley Fine Wines

07/06/2011

Complex aromas of dried currant, anise, herb and tar are rich and elegant on the palate, with the tannins softening. Has excellent structure. The best of two bottles.--1996 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2009. Wine Spectator. A Cabernet Sauvignon wine from California in USA. 1996 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 750ml

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Source: JJ Buckley Fine Wines

05/20/2009

This is an outstanding wine, ripe and intense, with firm layers of earthy currant, anise, black cherry and plummy flavors framed by tight tannins and spicy, cedary oak notes... Wine Spectator. A Cabernet Sauvignon wine from California in USA. 1996 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 750ml

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Source: JJ Buckley Fine Wines

05/15/2011

...reveals more concentration as well as higher tannin than the 1995. I know it is a trade-off, but I suspect this vintage will not be as sexy in its youthfulness as the 1995. The black ruby/purple-colored 1996 offers more licorice, in addition to th... Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. A Cabernet Sauvignon wine from California in USA. 1996 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 750ml

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05/15/2010

The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve reveals more concentration as well as higher tannin than the 1995. I know it is a trade-off, but I suspect this vintage will not be as sexy in its youthfulness as the 1995. The black ruby/purple-colored 1996 offers more licorice, in addition to the obvious levels of pain grille, jammy black currant fruit, and spice notes. Structured, full-bodied, and powerful, this may be a Private Reserve to cellar for several years, and consume over the subsequent 15-18.

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Blanchards Wine & Spirits Marshfield Marshfield, MA (420 mi)	Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 1996 »	$99.⁹⁹ 750ml Bad price? USD 99.99
301 Wines Eureka, CA (2,500 mi)	Beringer Vineyards, Private Reserve 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa »	$95.⁹⁰ 750ml Bad price? USD 95.90
wine & wine Saarbruecken, DE (4,500 mi)	Beringer "Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve" Napa Valley (1996) »	€57.⁹⁰ USD $ 750ml Bad price? EUR 57.90