Expect concentrated black currant, dark cherry, cedar, dark chocolate, and refined oak spice with full body, structured tannins, and a long finish. The 2017 Napa vintage was warm with some heat-related challenges, though top producers managed to make balanced wines.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend
- Region
- USA / California / Napa Valley
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, structured, age-worthy, oak-aged, classic
The producer
Beringer Vineyards, founded in 1876, is one of Napa Valley's oldest continuously operating wineries. The Private Reserve Cabernet has been the estate's flagship wine since the early 1980s and is one of the most historically important California Cabernets — multiple Wine Spectator Wine of the Year selections, including the 1986 Private Reserve.
What critics say
Beringer Private Reserve has consistently received high-90s scores from major critics across decades and is widely regarded as a benchmark Napa Cabernet with significant aging potential.
Pairing
Dry-aged ribeye, herb-crusted rack of lamb, lamb shank