Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, Beringer Vineyards 1992

Production: 14,700 cases; Alcohol: 14.46%; Blend: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc; Harvest Dates: September 9 to October 6 Made from a blend of fruit from four vineyards, Bancroft Ranch (57%), State Lane (now known as the Kapcsandy Vineyard) (21%), St. Helena Home Vineyard (14%) and Chabot (5%), 1992’s growing season was in total contrast to the preceding vintages. It was warm, even hot, with early bud break and some unusual rain in June. However, the following months were super-dry and hot, which caused an early start to the harvest. It turned out to be a classic Napa vintage in its exuberance and rich fruit. Although totally dry, it reveals a sweeter style with higher alcohol and glycerin and an impression of unctuosity and viscosity. While it does not exhibit the complexity of either the 1990 or 1991, it possesses a dense purple color along with a sexy, up-front, effusive, flamboyant style. Tasted by itself, I may have scored it higher, but in the context of the vertical tasting, it is dominated by such vintages as 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995 and 1997.