Deliciously approachable with a reputation for delivering "serious bang for the buck" according to Jeb Dunnuck, the powerful 94 pt. 2021 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific vintage for this B-21 favorite, an easy to enjoy California Cab revealing fresh, savory fruit with velvety smooth tannins, crafted exclusively from Beringer's estate vineyards at an unbeatable price.
Celebrating over 40 years as an AVA, Knights Valley is situated between Healdsburg and Calistoga in a narrow valley at the foot of Mount St. Helena bordering the Mayacamas mountain range that divides Sonoma and Napa Counties, its vineyards known for producing powerfully elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and home to some of the region's most sought after cult Cab producers including Peter Michael Winery. Recognizing its potential for growing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer was among the first wineries post-prohibition to farm grapes in Knights Valley over a half century ago, releasing its inaugural Knights Valley-designated wine in 1974 nearly a decade before the region was made an official AVA and crafting the first Knights Valley Cabernet in 1976. Spanning 600 acres northwest of the winery, Beringer's sustainably farmed Knights Valley vineyard is planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of other Bordeaux varietals in well-draining, rocky alluvial soils, enjoying the warmest daytime temperatures in Sonoma with cool evenings that preserve the grapes' acidity. Crafted as a Bordeaux-style blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, winemaker Ryan Rech aged the robust 2021 Beringer Knights Valley Cab for 15 months in 33% new French oak, yielding fresh, juicy fruit boasting signature Knights Valley notes of wild sage, mocha and black olive with ripe tannins built to age and an enticing smooth, velvety finish that begs for another sip.
Described as a "potent, bold Knights Valley Cabernet" offering "tons of immediacy and appeal" by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the richly satisfying 94 pt. 2021 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley is an undervalued gem among its pricey Knights Valley peers, a smooth and satisfying Cab with a backbone for aging affordably priced to enjoy without hesitation.
A mix of red and black fruits with lavender and fresh herbs followed by vanilla, blanched almonds and a hint of black ink and pencil lead. Full-bodied, firm and juicy tannins with good acidity backbone. Sound and harmonious wine with beautiful drinkability. Terrific quality. This needs two or three years to take the edge off it.
94 points, James Suckling (Dec 2023)
This rich and decadent Cabernet displays a complex nose loaded with aromas of spiced plum, dark cocoa, cinnamon and mint. The palate brings concentrated flavors of blackberry, Bing cherry, caramel and chocolate in a framework of powerful tannin and oak. A few years in the cellar will soften this nicely.
92 points, Tom R. Capo, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2025)
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