Beringer 1992 PR Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

"The 1992 and 1993 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons are the two most promising Beringer Cabernet Sauvignons made under the Reserve designation. Both possess extraordinary aromas and flavors, as well as saturated black/purple colors, huge, rich noses of spring flowers, black fruits, and spicy oak, followed by fabulously rich, multidimensional flavors presented in a full-bodied style. The 1992 is more flamboyant, largely because it has an additional year of age. I would not be surprised to see these wines, which I have rated conservatively, come close to perfection!

Beringer's Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has always been a deceptively supple, soft, easy to drink wine when released. Recent vintages, while taking on additional power and concentration, appear to be made in a similar flattering, velvety-textured style. Certainly the 1990 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (which I reviewed in issue #95) is a classic example of this wine.

Beringer's Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots continue to move from strength to strength. There are now five cuvees, starting with the Cabernet Sauvignon from Knight's Valley, and more recently a Meritage red wine, followed by the three flagship reds of the Beringer empire -the Merlot from the Bancroft Vineyard on Howell Mountain, the Cabernet Sauvignon from the Chabot Vineyard, and the Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It is especially admirable when a winery the size, stature, and importance of Beringer continues to push the quality of its offerings to greater and greater heights. Given how successful this property has become, it would be easy to rest on its already sterling reputation, but no one at this historic winery appears satisfied with maintaining the status quo. Beringer has been on an amazing hot streak. Even more remarkable, given the huge diversity of high quality wines that emerge from this winery, consumers will find that upcoming releases are even more compelling than previous Beringer offerings - high praise indeed! Additionally, small experimental lots of dazzling wines such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Viognier, and Melon, sold only at the winery, prove that Beringer intends to produce more than world class Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. Given the tiny quantities (under 50 cases) of 1992 Pinot Gris, 1992 Pinot Blanc, 1992 Pinot Auxerrois, and 1992 Melon made, it is sufficient to say that if you ever visit Beringer and notice any of these wines for sale, do not hesitate to buy a few bottles. The blockbuster, rich, honeyed, orange, concentrated 1992 Pinot Blanc and the more mineral-scented, enticing, rich 1992 Pinot Auxerrois are terrific efforts.