Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 1996

91 Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve reveals more concentration as well as higher tannin than the '95. I know it is a trade-off, but I suspect this vintage will not be as sexy in its youthfulness as the '95. The black ruby/purple-colored 1996 offers more licorice, in addition to the obvious levels of pain grille, jammy black currant fruit, and spice notes. Structured, full-bodied, and powerful, this may be a Private Reserve to cellar for several years.
I cannot recall a disappointing vintage of the Private Reserve. A production of 10,000-15,000 cases makes the wine's outstanding quality even more enviable. By the way, statisticians should note that the Private Reserve is always at least 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, and aged for 22-24 months in 100% new French oak. One of the common threads I find in the wines is a smoky, chocolatey, licorice character that works well with the lavish quantities of fruit and glycerin these wines possess. One of the safest choices a consumer can make, the Private Reserve has been a consistently fine and accurate representation of Cabernet's varietal characteristics.
Drink '01 - '19.