Beringer Vineyards
Private Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California, USA
Had another ‘14 in my cellar. A Napa producer since 1876, established by Jacob Beringer & continues in its 3rd century. In a word, a “BIG” Chardonnay. Pale with stone and tropical fruit aromas and complex spice. Sitting on 80% new French oak, the palate shows ripe apple, apricot, pear & lemon flavors with sweet vanilla spice. Nice buttery mouthfeel, creamy, balanced with lively acidity and toasty oak adding an ending of minerality. Aging well!
Had another ‘14 in my cellar. A Napa producer since 1876, established by Jacob Beringer & continues in its 3rd century. In a word, a “BIG” Chardonnay. Pale with stone and tropical fruit aromas and complex spice. Sitting on 80% new French oak, the palate shows ripe apple, apricot, pear & lemon flavors with sweet vanilla spice. Nice buttery mouthfeel, creamy, balanced with lively acidity and toasty oak adding an ending of minerality. Aging well!
Aug 31st, 2018Napa's benchmark producer since the establishment of the vineyard in 1876. Pale yellow with stone and tropical fruit aromas and oak spice. Sitting on 80% new French oak, the palate shows apple, apricot, pear and lemon flavors with sweet vanilla spice. Nice mouthfeel, slightly creamy, balanced with lively acidity and toasty oak adding an ending of minerality.
Napa's benchmark producer since the establishment of the vineyard in 1876. Pale yellow with stone and tropical fruit aromas and oak spice. Sitting on 80% new French oak, the palate shows apple, apricot, pear and lemon flavors with sweet vanilla spice. Nice mouthfeel, slightly creamy, balanced with lively acidity and toasty oak adding an ending of minerality.
Apr 30th, 2017
I couldn't help but pit this against my recent tastings of Chateau Montelena's 2013. Stylistically, they are worlds apart. The Montelena is less imposing, and even coy by comparison, but it's piercing acidity shocks the palate, firing the flavors everywhere, but with a linear feel.
The Beringer begins with rich aromatics of tropical fruit, coconut, cream brûlée, and meringue, with a dash of dill. Everything translates through to the palate, which flaunts its round figure. The lack of acidity releases the wine on the palate to pursue its less-than-subtle seduction. I will admit, I was no match for this temptress Chardonnay. That said, by comparison to the Montelena, the Beringer feels like it has been cosmetically enhanced. Fortunately, it was in just the right places.
I couldn't help but pit this against my recent tastings of Chateau Montelena's 2013. Stylistically, they are worlds apart. The Montelena is less imposing, and even coy by comparison, but it's piercing acidity shocks the palate, firing the flavors everywhere, but with a linear feel.
The Beringer begins with rich aromatics of tropical fruit, coconut, cream brûlée, and meringue, with a dash of dill. Everything translates through to the palate, which flaunts its round figure. The lack of acidity releases the wine on the palate to pursue its less-than-subtle seduction. I will admit, I was no match for this temptress Chardonnay. That said, by comparison to the Montelena, the Beringer feels like it has been cosmetically enhanced. Fortunately, it was in just the right places.
Rich and buttery with a toasty vanilla mid palate and an apricot finish.
Rich and buttery with a toasty vanilla mid palate and an apricot finish.
Jun 14th, 2020
Excellent! Medium gold color. Nutty and buttery, but not overpowering. Complex. Very similar but many of the White Burgundy’s I’ve been drinking.
Excellent! Medium gold color. Nutty and buttery, but not overpowering. Complex. Very similar but many of the White Burgundy’s I’ve been drinking.
Dec 22nd, 2019
Interesting. Had this after a Kistler. I find this so much more complex. Green apples, apricots, lemons, cream, and some oak. But the finish lingers for over a minute. Just lovely.
Interesting. Had this after a Kistler. I find this so much more complex. Green apples, apricots, lemons, cream, and some oak. But the finish lingers for over a minute. Just lovely.
Dec 22nd, 2019
one of those purchases you end up regretting !
one of those purchases you end up regretting !
Jun 15th, 2019
A wonderful Costco purchase! Love big buttery chards and the malolactic fermentation gives this Chardonnay a creamy, toasted finish.
A wonderful Costco purchase! Love big buttery chards and the malolactic fermentation gives this Chardonnay a creamy, toasted finish.
May 27th, 2018
So glad I enjoyed this lovely bottle before reading some of the reviews. Beautiful, soft, creamy. Very restrained/ balanced oak.
So glad I enjoyed this lovely bottle before reading some of the reviews. Beautiful, soft, creamy. Very restrained/ balanced oak.
Feb 15th, 2018