When I was in northern California the week before Thanksgiving, the rumors that were swirling about the impending sale of Beringer by its international corporate owner, Nestle, to an investment consortium proved true when the sale was announced. Let's hope the new owners maintain the status quo, as Beringer has had an exceptional run of highly successful wines since the mid-eighties. Considering the diversity of wines produced, I would be hard pressed to single out another winery that has enjoyed as much success as Beringer has over the last decade.With the exception of a chunky, overly-oaked Pinot Noir, it is impossible to find anything less than top-flight at Beringer, with many of the firm's wines undeniably special. Beringer's Chardonnays have been terrific since the beginning of the decade. even their least expensive cuvee, the 1994 Chardonnay Napa Valley displaying wonderfully ripe, opulent, honeyed, citrus-like fruit, subtle oak, plenty of power, and a full-bodied, ripe, fleshy finish. It is a wine to drink within several years of its release. Beringer has once again proven that they are one of the qualitative leaders in California as they continue to turn out reference point wines - not only for California, but the world. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-5054