- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
Imagine a wine that transcends the ordinary, capturing the essence of Napa Valley in every drop. The Beringer 2018 Distinctions Cabernet is precisely that—an eloquent testament to the prowess and ingenuity of Senior Winemaker Ryan Rech. This wine embodies the adventurous spirit of the Beringer Distinction Series, pushing the boundaries of winemaking to showcase the unparalleled diversity of Napa Valley's terroir.
The 2018 growing season was a symphony of perfect conditions. It commenced with a cool spring that postponed flowering, resulting in a uniform fruit set. As the season progressed, a mild, dry summer transitioned into a temperate fall, offering extended hangtime for the grapes. This unique climate allowed the fruit to develop intense flavors and phenolic ripeness without excessive sugar accumulation. The outcome is a beautifully structured wine with profound color, flavor concentration, and impeccable balance, harvested meticulously from October 20 to 31, 2018.
The vineyard sources for this exceptional Cabernet are a blend of Napa Valley’s finest. Howell Mountain contributes 50% of the fruit, sourced from the renowned Bancroft Ranch (25%), Marc Mondavi (15%), and Steinhauer Ranch (10%). The remaining half is equally illustrious, featuring Marston Vineyard (22%) on Spring Mountain, Derr Family Vineyard (18%) near the peak of Mt. Veeder, and Helena Home Vineyard (10%) on the warm valley floor. Each vineyard's unique characteristics were meticulously preserved throughout the winemaking process.
Each lot was vinified and aged separately to retain its distinct personality, providing a diverse palette of aromas, flavors, and structural components for the final blend. After fermentation, the wine matured in 20% new French oak barrels for 20 months, with constant monitoring to ensure optimal development and harmonious integration.
In the glass, the Beringer 2018 Distinctions Cabernet presents an opaque ruby hue with violet undertones, a visual prelude to its depth and concentration. The nose is a rich tapestry of blackberry jam, blueberry preserves, and Chambord, intertwined with enchanting hints of spice and cocoa. On the palate, this full-bodied marvel is defined by its fine-grained tannins and vibrant black fruit character, complemented by nuances of cocoa, espresso, and spice. The finish is long and earthy, with lingering flavors of blackberry and cassis that leave a lasting impression.
This Cabernet is not just a wine; it is an experience—a reflection of Napa Valley's grandeur and the innovative spirit of Beringer's winemaking team. Enjoy it now or let it evolve in the bottle for years to come, as it promises to reward those with the patience to wait.
The 2018 growing season was a symphony of perfect conditions. It commenced with a cool spring that postponed flowering, resulting in a uniform fruit set. As the season progressed, a mild, dry summer transitioned into a temperate fall, offering extended hangtime for the grapes. This unique climate allowed the fruit to develop intense flavors and phenolic ripeness without excessive sugar accumulation. The outcome is a beautifully structured wine with profound color, flavor concentration, and impeccable balance, harvested meticulously from October 20 to 31, 2018.
The vineyard sources for this exceptional Cabernet are a blend of Napa Valley’s finest. Howell Mountain contributes 50% of the fruit, sourced from the renowned Bancroft Ranch (25%), Marc Mondavi (15%), and Steinhauer Ranch (10%). The remaining half is equally illustrious, featuring Marston Vineyard (22%) on Spring Mountain, Derr Family Vineyard (18%) near the peak of Mt. Veeder, and Helena Home Vineyard (10%) on the warm valley floor. Each vineyard's unique characteristics were meticulously preserved throughout the winemaking process.
Each lot was vinified and aged separately to retain its distinct personality, providing a diverse palette of aromas, flavors, and structural components for the final blend. After fermentation, the wine matured in 20% new French oak barrels for 20 months, with constant monitoring to ensure optimal development and harmonious integration.
In the glass, the Beringer 2018 Distinctions Cabernet presents an opaque ruby hue with violet undertones, a visual prelude to its depth and concentration. The nose is a rich tapestry of blackberry jam, blueberry preserves, and Chambord, intertwined with enchanting hints of spice and cocoa. On the palate, this full-bodied marvel is defined by its fine-grained tannins and vibrant black fruit character, complemented by nuances of cocoa, espresso, and spice. The finish is long and earthy, with lingering flavors of blackberry and cassis that leave a lasting impression.
This Cabernet is not just a wine; it is an experience—a reflection of Napa Valley's grandeur and the innovative spirit of Beringer's winemaking team. Enjoy it now or let it evolve in the bottle for years to come, as it promises to reward those with the patience to wait.
93 POINTS - "Currants and blackberries with some black-olive and floral character. Medium to full body with juicy fruit and a medium chewy finish. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years. Try after 2023." - James Suckling
91 POINTS - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Distinctions is another well-made wine with lots to love. Plenty of black and subtle blue fruits, notes of tobacco leaf, smoked earth, and graphite, medium to full body, and a seamless texture all make for an undeniably delicious red that’s ideal for drinking any time over the coming 10-15 years." - Jeb Dunnuck
90 POINTS - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Distinctions is a heady, opulent wine made mostly from vineyards in St. Helena and Calistoga. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, sweet new oak, licorice and vanillin are front and center. This is a decidedly opulent, open-knit wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring." - Vinous
91 POINTS - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Distinctions is another well-made wine with lots to love. Plenty of black and subtle blue fruits, notes of tobacco leaf, smoked earth, and graphite, medium to full body, and a seamless texture all make for an undeniably delicious red that’s ideal for drinking any time over the coming 10-15 years." - Jeb Dunnuck
90 POINTS - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Distinctions is a heady, opulent wine made mostly from vineyards in St. Helena and Calistoga. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, sweet new oak, licorice and vanillin are front and center. This is a decidedly opulent, open-knit wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring." - Vinous
An opaque ruby color tinged with violet hints at the potential concentration of this incredible Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Heady aromas of blackberry jam, blueberry preserves, and Chambord, sweetened with notes of spices and cocoa. Firmly structured with fine-grained tannins, this full-bodied wine offers an alluring freshness and black fruit ripeness laced with cocoa, espresso, and spice. Dense flavors of blackberry and cassis linger on the palate for a long, earthy finish.