Distinctive, even decadent, this full-bodied plush wine is well-structured and balanced with complex aromas and flavors of ripe dark fruits, black cherry and vanilla accented with herbal notes and baking spices. Soft but potent in delivering a memorable, spicy finish.
Varietal | Merlot |
---|---|
Vintage | 2017 |
Volume | 750mL |
Appellation | Napa Valley |
Blend | 100% Merlot |
Oak Treatment | 100% French Oak (70% new) |
Alcohol % | 15% |
Enclosure Type | Cork |
pH | 3.76 |
“Lots of black olives and currants with hints of mahogany. Full-bodied, chewy and flavorful. Rich finish. Foursquare. Needs a year or two to soften. Try after 2021.” - James Suckling, February 2020
"Robust in chalky tannin and a broad swath of red currant, plum and cherry, this wine is powerfully structured and ripe, with fistfuls of clove, mocha and black pepper. From a warm vintage and a mountain appellation, it will do well in the cellar; enjoy best from 2027 through 2030. Cellar Selection.” - Virginie Boone, November 2020
“Svelte, powerful and well-honed, with red currant and dried berry flavors that are filled with minerality. Notes of hot stone midpalate are backed by vibrant acidity that lingers on the finish, with plenty of savoriness. Drink now through 2025.” - Kim Marcus, November, 30th, 2020
The extended drought was beginning to cause concern as the 2016 growing season kicked off, but some welcomed winter rain hinted at the relief to come. After a relatively dry January we enjoyed significant rainfall in February, along with mild temperatures. Bud break was early, but was slowed by heavy April showers. While still early by historical standards, picking began about a week later than 2015, and continued at a leisurely pace, allowing the grapes to reach full flavor maturity. A traditionally sized harvest followed the lighter showing of 2015, and the extended season helped to balance the acids and add complexity to the layers of flavors. Warm temperatures arrived as harvest began, but ultimately, everything came together in the best possible way.
Beringer’s Bancroft Ranch vineyard is located at an elevation of 1,800 feet on Howell Mountain, a growing area with well-drained volcanic soils. In 1984, Howell Mountain became the first area within the Napa Valley appellation to be declared a separate viticultural area (AVA) for the distinct characteristics of its wine grapes and now it is home to several of Napa Valley’s most famous wines. Bancroft Ranch produces clusters with small berries whose high skin-to-fruit ratio results in well-structured wines with concentrated flavors. The flavors are further enhanced by the climate: the vineyard is about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the valley floor but experiences more hours of sunshine over the course of a day because it is above the fog belt. This allows for both extended hang time and slow, even flavor development. Beringer has been making a vineyard-designated Bancroft Ranch Merlot since the 1987 vintage, and both the vineyard and the relationship with the Bancroft family are deeply special.
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