Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/628173
january-february 2016 / the tasting panel / 129 Most Reserved Personality Beringer Vineyards 2012 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($165) Mark Beringer returned "home" to Beringer Vineyards last year, joining as Chief Winemaker and following in the footsteps of acclaimed Winemaker Emeritus Laurie Hook. We caught up with Mark to talk direction of the company, details of their Private Reserve Cabernet and food pairings. THE TASTING PANEL: You came on board as winemaker in 2015. What does this mean for you and the company? Mark Beringer: I'm absolutely thrilled to be making wines for the very win- ery that my ancestor built, and be part of the next chapter in this important story of Beringer and of Napa Valley. I take tremendous pride in being part of this unique winemaking legacy and being the eighth winemaker among a hallowed roster of talent including Ed Sbragia and Myron Nightingale. As a winemaker, there is no greater thrill than having great vineyards to work with and Beringer's are second to none. The diversity of microclimates, ter- roir and locations truly comprise the best of what Napa Valley has to offer and I'm honored to work with them. This variety of vineyards allows me to build multi-faceted wines with generous layers of complexity, allowing each unique site to lend its distinctive attributes to the wine. Where will Beringer be in the next ten years, under your direction? I think Beringer is on a great path and I see growth for the brand with our luxury wines as we diversify among amazing wine growing regions around California. I also see Beringer continuing down the path of over-delivering quality wines for tremendous values for wine lovers throughout the world. We are continuing to invest in our vineyards and facilities in order to continue our pursuit of the highest-quality grapes and the most state-of- the-art winery. Let's turn to the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Tell us about the vineyard sources for this wine. Steinhauer Vineyard provides the foundation (30%) for the 2012 blend, which has been part of the Private Reserve blend since 1993. A significant portion (17%) comes from Bancroft Ranch atop Howell Mountain as well, and another portion (17%) comes from the St. Helena Home Vineyard, which was part of the original acreage that founders Jacob and Frederick Beringer purchased in 1875 with the Beringer estate. The blending of the structured mountain fruit, with the velvety, fruit-forward grapes from the valley floor, provides a wine that is very pleasing in its youth, but will gener- ously reward those with the patience to cellar them. What is your favorite food pairing with the 2012 Reserve CS? I am a traditionalist. I think meat is the perfect companion—perhaps a nice grilled beef tenderloin or fresh herb-crusted prime rib! TREASURY WINE ESTATES Ripe and concentrated with velvety plum, blackberry and sweet vanilla oak; intense, seamless and elegant with power; structure and finesse; exceptional. 97 —Anthony Dias Blue, Blue Reviews, December 2015 Winemaker Mark Beringer, direct descendant of founding brother Jacob Beringer.