The 2018 Beringer Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-regarded wine that showcases the distinct characteristics of its origin in Sonoma's Knights Valley. This vintage is a classic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, with a deep purple hue and an alcohol content of 14.5%.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a commendable score of 94, noting its "classic, nicely structured" nature, with "lots of savory red and black fruits, loamy earth, tobacco leaf, and spice-driven aromas and flavors." Dunnuck also highlights the wine's mid-palate richness and ripe tannins, predicting it will age well for 10-15 years. James Suckling gave an even higher score of 95, praising the full-bodied wine's "baked-blueberry, spiced-cherry, praline and vanilla aromas," along with its "creamy and supple" texture. Suckling emphasizes the "seamless fruit and hazelnut layers" and suggests it can be enjoyed from 2022 onward.
Antonio Galloni of Vinous also reviewed this wine positively, giving it a score of 92. He describes the wine as "super expressive right out of the gate," with notes of "crème de cassis, gravel, sage, menthol, and licorice." Galloni appreciates the winemaking team's restraint in extraction, allowing the purity of the fruit to shine. Wine Enthusiast's Virginie Boone concurs with a 92-point rating, describing it as "elegantly structured and refined," with flavors of "black currant, black cherry, and cassis." Boone notes the wine's 20-month aging in French oak, contributing to its integrated tannins and lasting notes of sage and leather.
Overall, the 2018 Beringer Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-structured, richly flavored wine that has been praised for its balance and depth, making it a noteworthy choice for Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts.