Beringer

[mrdutton]

What is the word on this potential beauty of a wine: 1995 Beringer Knites Valley Alluvium.

A blend of Merlot, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged for twenty-two months in small oak barrels.

Label says this one got the personal attention of winemaker Ed Sbragia. Relatively expensive, this one, but it seems to me that it might be a good value anyway.

Anyone had this one? Any tasting notes? Appreciate your comments.

GO RAVENS!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOOP!!!!! CAW, CAW, CAW.

SEE YOU IN OAKLAND!

I kinda hesitated at putting this potential beauty in the Merlot category. However, that is the first grape mentioned on the lable. No hint as to percentages in the blend, label says Beringer proprietary blend.

[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 01-07-2001).]

[RAD]

MrD, haven't had said wine myself, but this is what WS says:

"This delicious Merlot blend is tightly focused, with a firm tannic backbone and a well-defined core of black cherry, plum and currant, picking up tea, herb and cedary notes. Finishes with fine, integrated tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.Drink now through 2005. (11000 cases produced). Spectator Selection. 11/15/98"

RAD

[RAD]

And according to Benziger's site, merlot was 77% in 1995, without saying how much of the other varieties. The '97, though, is about 18% cab, with "small amounts" of the cab franc, malbec, and petit verdot, so my guess is that the '95 is roughly similar.

RAD

[mrdutton]

Beringer, not Benziger...... But thanks for the info. I visited the web site and read the notes.

With 77 percent Merlot, I chose the correct category here on the Wine Board, that is for sure. The addition of the other grapes make this wine worthwhile. I can't hardly imagine it being quite as good were it all Merlot.

I am really enjoying this beauty. Yes, a very nice tannic backbone and a long velvety finish with spice and wood. Plenty of fruit on the palate, that is for sure. I catch the black cherries and the plums, but not the currant. Lots of fruit and spice and bits of cedar and vanilla on the nose.

Fairly expensive at $27.79 a bottle. Only bought the one along with a Bonny Doon Cardinal Zin that cost much less.

[Drew]

There you go again enjoying a wine before the ink's dry on the email request.

Drew

[RAD]

Oops--meant Beringer, obviously...was just THINKING about Benziger!

RAD