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| Knight's Valley Cabernets: The Best Of Beringer |
Tuesday, February 5, 2002
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Beringer Vineyards was named America's Winery of the Year for 2001 by Wine EnthusiastMagazine, citing Beringer for its "extraordinary accomplishments." Wine lovers know that Knight's Valley Cabernets display a saturated, deep purple color, and an easy-to-admire rich bouquet of cassis and spice. In addition, they are always a good value. This was a great opportunity to taste the wines with the person who made them.
Wines are listed in the order of presentation. The 45 attendees were asked to vote for their four favorite wines in the tasting. Most of the wines are unavailable, and prices are not listed for all wines. Notes are a combination of the speaker and Jonathan Levine's.
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| Wines |
Votes |
Full Retail $ |
1999 Beringer Sauvignon Blanc Napa
A less grassy wine with herbal and citrus notes. Juicy grapefruit and wild flowers are evident in the nose and on the palate. The 15% Semillon seems to mute the grassy quality. Nice mouth feel and finish.
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3 |
$12.00 |
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Beringer 1999 Napa Alluvium Blanc
A blend of four varieties that has produced a wine with complexity and a host of flavors. Lemon-curd, figs, tart lemon peel and thyme are just some of the nuances one detects. The crisp acidity means that this is a wine that while nice by itself is better with food.
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5 |
$16.00 |
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Beringer 1997 Napa Alluvium
A Meritage blend of five Bordeaux varieties with a predominance of Merlot. The ripe cherry/berry flavors come from the Merlot, while the Cab Sauv brings cassis and olive notes and a solid structure. There are also slight hints of eucalyptus and toasted oak.
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2 |
$30.00 |
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Beringer 1982 Knights Valley Cabernet
Plum and ripe cherry flavors intertwined with dried herbs and cedar. Lots of spice and forest floor notes. Well integrated and sweet fruit. A lesson for those who do not believe that California Cabs age well.
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15 |
When released this
was sold at $8.99 or less. What a bargain! |
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Beringer 1985 Knights Valley Cabernet
My favorite of the event. Minty and herbal with ripe mature flavors and bouquet. Round and sensuous in the mouth. Long finish.
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20 |
N/A |
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Beringer 1990 Knights Valley Cabernet
Another winner. Cassis and wild berry aromas. Soft tannins, well balanced and gracious.
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22 |
N/A |
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Beringer 1991 Knights Valley Cabernet
Very dark in color. A great vintage which shows in the extract and concentration. Notes of dark chocolate and sweet berries. Quite aggressive. Length and width in the mouth.
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23 |
N/A |
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Beringer 1992 Knights Valley Cabernet
Lighter in color than the 1990 or '91, but rich and warm with a lovely aroma of spice, dried herbs and rich ripe fruit. Soft and generous.
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2 |
N/A |
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Beringer 1993 Knights Valley Cabernet
Interesting dried herbs mixed with young Cabernet spice. Firm tannins with notes of cassis, plums and tea.
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7 |
N/A |
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Beringer 1994 Knights Valley Cabernet
A great vintage and a great wine. Dark color, lovely scented bouquet. Spice, smoke and cedar. |
23 |
N/A |
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Beringer 1995 Knights Valley Cabernet
Black fruit and the typical KV notes of mint and herbs combine on the long finish. |
16 |
N/A |
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Beringer 1996 Knights Valley Cabernet
Very spicy with notes of lavender, lemon verbena and thyme. Quite concentrated and chewy. |
13 |
$26.00 |
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Beringer 1997 Knights Valley Cabernet
Very young. Smoke, spice, tannins and ripe fruit. A wine
that will reward the patient.
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13 |
$26.00 |
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