Beringer Napa Valley Private Reserve Chardonnay 2021
| Producer | Beringer |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 108729 |
| Size | 750ml |
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"This has a more reductive and flinty personality with sliced pears, apples, lemons and light cream. White flowers, too. Full-bodied and very agile on the palate, staying calm until the end when it kicks in and runs long. Toasty finish with acid and phenolic structure. Old Wente clone. Goes on for minutes. A wine for aging, but so good already. Drinkable, but better in two or three years" 98 Points, James Suckling
Beringer Description
GROWING SEASON
The beginning of the 2021 growing season came early, with extended periods of sunny weather and late but much-needed rain. The season was considered early due to a drought year, starting with low humidity, high heat, and strong winds as early as May. The summer, however, returned to more expected temperatures, leading to early ripening and one of the earliest harvests. Lower yields contributed to the early start and intense fruit flavor development. Harvest began under clear skies in September, continuing into October before some early rain. Chardonnay had a low yield but exceptional quality, with deep layers of fruit flavors. Grapes for the 2021 Private Reserve were picked between September 27 and October 3, 2021.
VINEYARDS
Gamble Ranch, Beringer's northernmost Chardonnay vineyard, the source for Private Reserve for decades, is located near Yountville in the Oakville AVA. The diurnal shift, with cooling morning fog and warmer afternoons, maintains grape acidity, crucial for balancing rich flavors. Older vines from 1976, primarily the Wente Clone 4, dominate the vineyard.
WINEMAKING
Each Chardonnay lot ages separately for this flagship wine. After direct pressing, the juice ferments in 100% French oak barrels for seven months, enhancing natural richness. Weekly lees stirring adds toasty and oak notes for balance. Barrel fermentation and malolactic fermentation contribute to a creamy texture. Expressive lots are selected, blended for a wine with crème brûlée aroma and citrus-fruit flavors.
TASTING NOTES
A bright, vibrant, toasty white exemplifying Napa Valley Chardonnay. Fragrant with white flowers, honeycomb, and citrus blossom, hints of caramel apple and buttered brioche. Creamy palate with lemon meringue, apricot, peach cobbler, and grilled mango. Integrated oak, nuanced with vanilla crème brûlée and ginger spice, finishes long, savory, with mouth-watering acidity, freshness, and minerality.
