The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is richer, deeper and riper than the Knights Valley bottling. Chocolate, mocha, plums and spices come to life in this fleshy, mid-weight wine. Readers who appreciate a more mineral-inflected style of Cabernet will prefer the Knights Valley bottling, while those who appreciate radiant, fruit-forward Cabernets are likely to prefer the Napa Valley. Both are beautiful. The blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% each Petit Verdot and Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. This lineup from Beringer is full of highlights. The top Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings are terrific, but I am just as drawn to the entry and mid-tier offerings for their superb value and wide availability in the market. Beringer's Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted to reflect the Napa Valley appellation. This wine is evocative of the rich terroir of the vineyards, but is still immediately approachable and appealing. Ripe dark fruits are accented by hints of cedar and dark chocolate aromas. The mouthfeel is dense and lush, with juicy red and blue berries and a rich structure.
