Production: 6,100 cases; Alcohol: 13.7%; Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: September 16 to November 8.This was the first vintage where a lot of the post-phylloxera planted vineyards began producing fruit and I suspect that the average age of the vines was 3-4 years. It was a relatively cool growing season with moderate temperatures from spring through September. Both Ed Sbragia and his assistant winemaker, Laurie Hook, seemed to have done everything right in 2000, having learned from the two previous cooler than normal years that waiting is the best solution. A sleeper vintage for Beringer, the 2000 harvest took place over seven full weeks. Atypically, 98% of the fruit came from Howell Mountain, a lot from two new sources, Rancho del Oso and the Quarry Vineyard (which sits on the Rutherford/St. Helena appellation border). Ed, Laurie and I all agreed that this is a better wine than the 1999. Sweet black currant, blueberry and raspberry fruit intermixed with crushed rock and floral aromas jump from the glass of this sleeper of the vintage. The wine’s saturated purple color, heady, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and supple tannins result in a delicious, nearly fully mature Cabernet Sauvignon that can be enjoyed over the next 10-15 years.

The pure, ripe, opulent 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Knight's Valley (500 cases) may turn out to be outstanding. It exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color as well as sweet black currant fruit intermixed with spice box, licorice, underbrush, and vanilla. Ed Sbragia told me there was no fog in 2000 in Knight's Valley, and although it was relatively cool, he was pleased with what was produced. (Price not yet determined)Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

Not the greatest Beringer PR of late, this wine showcases the weakness of the vintage. It’s earthy and tannic, with only a suggestion of cherries and blackberries. It’s a wine to drink now and over the next few years.——S.H.(5/1/2005)—— 86