The 2017 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout wine from California's Napa Valley, crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with a small addition of Cabernet Franc. This wine, boasting an alcohol content of 15.5%, is notable for its deep garnet-purple color and complex flavor profile.
James Suckling gave the wine a high score of 98, praising its "beautiful purity of fruit with polish and sophistication." He highlighted the enticing currant and cassis aromas, as well as the wine's "extremely fine tannins" and the "level of freshness and agility" that it brings to the palate. Suckling's review emphasizes the wine's delicate and beautiful nature, suggesting it can be enjoyed now or held for future enjoyment.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine a score of 94, describing it as a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. The tasting notes mention red and black currant jelly, baker's chocolate, menthol, and spice cake, with hints of violets, cedar, and kirsch. The wine is described as medium to full-bodied with a "firm, finely grained texture" and a long, perfumed finish. The publication notes that 9,644 cases were made.
Jeb Dunnuck rated the wine at 96, calling it "brilliant" and "ripe, powerful," predicting it will age gracefully over the next two decades. His review highlights flavors of deep blackcurrants, dark chocolate, scorched earth, and graphite, describing the wine's ripe tannins and rich mid-palate.
Vinous also gave the wine a score of 94, appreciating its "super-expressive and inviting" nature. The review mentions flavors of sweet red cherry, red plum, mint, licorice, and floral notes, noting that the wine is a blend from several Howell Mountain vineyards.
Wine Enthusiast's Virginie Boone scored the wine at 95, describing it as "thick and concentrated in dense layers of cedar, pencil shavings, and currant." The review highlights the substantial body and power of the wine, as well as its complexity and structure, recommending it be enjoyed best from 2027 through 2037.
Wine Spectator gave the wine a 92, noting its "plush and forward" nature with flavors of creamed plum and blackberry puree, complemented by cocoa and warm loam notes. The review describes the wine as a "crowd-pleaser" and suggests it can be enjoyed now through 2029.
In summary, the 2017 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-regarded wine with excellent reviews, praised for its complexity, depth of flavor, and aging potential.