Beringer Napa Valley Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 750ml

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California

Notes from the Winemaker

Deeply saturated in color with a rich depth and elegance, exhibiting a substantial backbone and structure, all hallmarks of this incredible 2018 vintage of Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and will continue to reward after years of carful cellaring. Fresh, ripe berry notes of blackberry, black cherry, crème de cassis and dark plum all combine, offering a plush, juicy, mouthwatering character that is very approachable in its youth. Complex layers of wild bramble berry fruit, wild violets and notes of cocoa powder, dark chocolate, graphite and tobacco spice, from the well-integrated oak, seamlessly are interwoven with the full-bodied ripe tannins, supporting a firm structure with balanced acidity, leading to a long, persistent, textured finish.

Reviews and Accolades

98 Points/James Suckling
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.

97 Points/Jeb Dunnuck
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 Points/Tasting Panel
One of California's marquee wines, this expression doesn't disappoint, coating the tongue in velvet while delivering a combination of ripe plum, toasty new oak, spice, and hints of chocolate and fresh-baked bread. Balanced, long, and stunning.

95 Points/Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
Rating: 95+

92 Points/Wine Spectator
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.

90 Points/Wine Enthusiast
Thick and tannic on the palate in its youth, this wine shows a great deal of structure and integration, having spent 18 months aging in 90% new French oak. Red fruit shines in the form of currant, cassis and cranberry, with leathery texture and accents of dried herb and sage. Enjoy best from 2028 through 2033. Cellar Selection