I’ll keep my notes brief, but my favorites in 2003 include the Marston Vineyard on Spring Mountain as well as the Quarry, Rancho del Oso, and Steinhauer vineyards. Previously recommended: 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight’s Valley (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (89), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Chabot Vineyard (92), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Marston Vineyard (90+), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (94), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Quarry Vineyard (88?), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso (87), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Home Vineyard (93), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Steinhauer Vineyard (90), 2004 Chardonnay Napa (87), 2004 Chardonnay Private Reserve (92), 2004 Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release (93).Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Marston Vineyard from Spring Mountain possesses blue and raspberry-like fruit, medium body, good elegance, fresh acids and a floral character. As I have indicated before, the Private Reserve is a blend from at least six separate vineyards owned by Beringer. Most are Howell Mountain sites, although there are two in St. Helena and one on Spring Mountain. Beringer offers their single vineyard cuvees to their private and wine list customers at the winery, and they are often worth taking a look at, as in certain vintages they can truly excel. I find it remarkable that the Beringer winemaking team continues to show their genius by the fact that their Private Reserve is always the finest of them, and it’s the one that is blended with the other single vineyards. In any event, the following is a quick synopsis of the 2003 single vineyard offerings, which are all limited in availability. Tel. (707) 963-7115