Got both feet firmly planted on the ground? Something (or someone) to hold on to?

Good.

‘Cause we’re coming in hot with a 95/94 POINT RESERVE CAB from a much-heralded Napa producer - BERINGER!! The best part? You already know - the price! Cut in half, from $70 to $36. LFG!!!

Yea, we’re about as excited as Brandon when he tore open his present and saw that Nintendo 64 on Christmas morning in ’98 here. Today Brandon is probably 30-something and like most adults, we think he’d be almost as stoked to get a case of this… almost. Nothing beats being 10 on a Christmas morning.

Anyone who knows Napa knows Beringer. They’re a pillar of the industry, a longtime fixture with history as rich as any dating back to 1875 when Jacob Beringer bought 200+ acres in St Helena. Next came their first harvest in 1876 and the rest is history (a lot of it). Today their vineyard sites are second to none. And this Reserve, sourced from Knights Valley, has been a longstanding favorite in their lineup for many years. In 2012 it was named the #8 wine of the year by Wine Spectator. As reliable as Cab gets.

It’s Mark Beringer who makes the wines these days, Jacob’s great-great-grandson. It’s a masculine and rich expression, with the extraction dialed back a bit and the savory, meaty complexity turned up. So, while not a TOTAL jam fest, it still has stacks of blackcurrant, blueberry, and dusty plums, with layers of worn leather, toasted nuts, turned earth, black licorice, tobacco, and vanilla in the mix. It all flows along on soft, sweet tannins into a Stretch Armstrong finish. We’re thinking the Ultimate Steak Sandwich from Gordon Ramsey and a bottle of this tonight.

Here’s the bottom line: for $36 it’s an utter steal. We think we got enough of this one - but who knows these days.

95 Points – James Suckling

“Baked-blueberry, spiced-cherry, praline and vanilla aromas. Some gravel and pine undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins. Creamy and supple with seamless fruit and hazelnut layers. Sleek and polished tannins. Try from 2022.”

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Reserve is a beauty and is all Cabernet brought up in 51% new French oak, which is on the lower end for this estate. Its deep purple color is followed by a classic, nicely structured Knights Valley Cabernet with lots of savory red and black fruits, loamy earth, tobacco leaf, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. With beautiful richness and mid-palate depth, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length, it’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years. Drink 2021-2036.”