One of the great efforts of recent years, and not surprisingly so, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, a blend of 81% from Howell Mountain, 11% from St. Helena and the rest Calistoga and Mount Veeder. It is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 84% new French oak. At 15.2% natural alcohol, this is a big boy, but also classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with crème de cassis, graphite, licorice, and a touch of spicy oak. Winemaker Laurie Hook, who has since departed as winemaker, really hit a home run with this beauty. The wine could benefit from 7-10 years cellaring and probably last 30 to 40. When all is said and done, this is an instant classic, the wine full-bodied with oodles of crème de cassis, pen ink, graphite and baking spices. It is multi-dimensional, layered, and one of the all-time great Beringer Private Reserves - and there have been many.

A classic Napa Cabernet in terms of weight, expression, density and proportion, from the initial spicy, seductive mocha, cedar and cigar box scents to the vibrant offering of perfumed currant, cassis, plum and wild berry. Best of all, the finish retains focus, showing tannic strength without overexerting itself. Long and detailed on the finish, this is an ideal candidate for a decade or more of cellaring. Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made.