Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous and powerful, full-bodied red with a lovely structure, beautiful density, and classic approachability. The nose expresses bright red berry fruits with red cherry, ripe plum, and cassis, alongside lifted cherry blossom and lavender notes. On the palate, darker berry character shows through with blackcurrant and boysenberry, while traditional Knights Valley tones of wild lavender and dark chocolate are supported by earthy and savory notes of chaparral sage, potpourri, and leather, with subtle hints of graphite, black tea, and tobacco leaf. Warmer, spiced elements of vanilla, cinnamon, and almond husk also show through nicely, as a nod to the well- integrated oak.

The higher diurnal temperature shifts of 2021 provided fresh, bright acidity, giving the wine vibrancy and depth, all leading to a balanced, mouthwatering finish with firm, fine-grained tannins that invite sip after sip. Built to age and develop further complexity over time, the wine is also incredibly enjoyable in its youth.

To maintain the unique characteristics of the different lots from various areas of the vineyard, each is monitored carefully throughout the vinification and aging process. Extended maceration extracted maximum color, aromas, and flavors from the grapes. It also developed generous tannins to enhance the lush mouthfeel of the blend. The wines were aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 14 months, undergoing malolactic fermentation for further texture and mouthfeel development.

Varietal: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc.

James Suckling Rating: 94 pts.