2018 Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

About the Wine

In 1875, the Beringer brothers, Jacob and Frederick, embarked on a remarkable journey from Germany to America, driven by their passion for winemaking. They honed their craft in Germany before arriving in Napa Valley, where Jacob worked at Charles Krug's winery. In 1878, Jacob made a bold move and acquired 200 acres of land from William Daenger. This marked the beginning of the legendary Beringer Winery, nestled near Spring Mountain and the northern edge of St. Helena.

Jacob Beringer's vision led to the construction of the iconic three-story stone house that stands proudly on the estate to this day. In 1884, Frederick joined his brother, and together, they planted Chasselas, Riesling, and Zinfandel. The winery quickly gained prominence, producing over 40,000 cases of wine, a remarkable feat for the time.

Beringer Winery boasts numerous "firsts" in Napa Valley's history, from gravity-fed facilities to hand-dug caves and cellars. They even pioneered public tours in 1934, setting a hospitality standard. Notably, Beringer remains the only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Mark Beringer, the great-great-grandson of the founder, continues the family legacy as the overseer of winemaking. Beringer sources its grapes from the finest vineyards in Knights Valley, St. Helena, and Howell Mountain AVAs, with a special focus on crafting exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon.

2018 was a Napa winemaker's dream, a vintage Decanter says “belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades,” and Wine Spectator blessed this year with 99 points and said it was a "Spectacular year, with wines that are rich and dark, but detailed, restrained in style and very terroir-driven."

Aging: 18 months in 90% new French oak barrels

Tasting Notes

98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.
See Critic Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Critic Reviews

Wild blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco and dark spice on the nose. Dried violets, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins and a creamy texture. Intense, yet restrained and refined, with a solid core of dark berries and bitter chocolate. Really focused and crafted with exemplary Napa cabernet character. Try from 2024. ~98 James Suckling

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is based on 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 90% new French oak. It’s a beautiful wine that shows the vintage’s pure, elegant, yet concentrated style perfectly. Gorgeous crème de cassis, violets, blueberries, and cedar pencil notes emerge from the glass, and this beauty builds incrementally on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a lively, pure, layered texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It can be enjoyed any time over the coming 20-25 years. ~97 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is every bit as impressive today as it was last year. It might very well be the finest Private Reserve I have ever tasted. More than anything else, the 2018 impresses with its energy and total sense of finesse. It's a wine that marries power with vibrancy in grand style. As always, most of the fruit is sourced from Beringer's ranches on Howell Mountain. ~97 Vinous Media

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with subtle notes of fresh blackberries, mulberries and crushed blackcurrants, plus emerging hints of redcurrant jelly, bay leaves, unsmoked cigars and cedar chest. Full-bodied, rich and plush, it delivers mouth-coating black fruits and loads of savory layers with plenty of freshness and great length. ~95+ Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Dark in profile, but fresh, with vibrant black currant and black cherry preserve flavors laced with streaks of violet, iron and tobacco. Shows good energy throughout. Best from 2022 through 2032. 16,058 cases made. ~92 Wine Spectator

***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***