Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Beringer "Knights Valley" Cabernet Sauvignon, California, USA, 2020 

Grapes: A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with a classic 'Bordeaux' touch of 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 15 months. 

Producer Tasting Note:

This crowd-pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful Bordeaux blend, with soft, round tannins and a plush, rich mouthfeel. Built to age and develop further complexity, the wine in its youth is ripe and juicy upfront with aromas of fresh boysenberry, blackberry, and cassis, alongside dark berry fruit notes of fig, black cherry cola, and currants. The warm baking spice notes from the oak-integration work well with the more traditional Knights Valley tones of lavender, wild sage, and mocha. Lively and well-balanced with vibrant acidity, chewy tannins, and a long, smooth, satisfying finish.

2020 is the first vintage to include fruit from all three of the company's Knights Valley estates. 

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"When Jacob Beringer, drawn by the splendid opportunities of the New World, left his home in Mainz, Germany, for the United States, he surely had no idea that he would be the founder of one of the most important American vineyards to emerge in California's Napa Valley. Composed of well-drained volcanic soils, perfectly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the vineyard where the grapes for this wine are grown is part of the Knights Valley appellation. Made by winemaker Mark Beringer, this powerful and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, yet not lacking in elegance, expresses aromas of blueberries, black cherries, spices, licorice, and tobacco, punctuated by a hint of graphite and mocha. Ample, persistent, and balanced, it still needs a few years to integrate its oak aging. Decant for approximately 2 hours and serve at 17°C. Delicious with filet mignon in port sauce, ribeye steak, rack of lamb, leg of lamb, or roast duck breast with mushroom sauce."  Drink 2023-2030

91/100 points, Bacchus Magazine (Canada)

"Consistent and reliable, the 2020 vintage of Knights Valley Cabernet is true to form. It offers inky, lush, dark fruits that effortlessly soak up the toasted oak alongside graphite, lavender, and mint. Rich and full-bodied, this shows polished, dense tannins that make it approachable out of the gates but with great potential ahead. Another winner, and one to revisit in 4-5 years."

90/100 points, Geoffrey Moss MW, Gismondi on Wine, September 2024

Food Match: Roast Beef, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Grilled Tuna, Mushroom Risotto, Aged Cow's Milk Cheeses