WINEMAKING NOTES
The 2017 vintage provided high quality thanks to lower than average yields. The year began with abundant rainfall. Spring weather was mild, resulting in extended flowering in some areas with little shatter. Vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. A freak hail storm passed through quickly in June causing isolated damage. Three heat events, including one over Labor Day weekend, kicked harvest into high gear. Cool weather arrived immediately afterward, allowing sugar levels to return to normal. Most late-ripening red grapes continued to hang on the vine and were picked throughout October.
The 2017 Chardonnay is fresh, vibrant, and well-balanced with medium weight trending to richness. There are classic California Chardonnay notes of lemon confit, crème brûlée, with aromas and flavors of tropical fruit such as pineapple, mango and tangerine. A light touch of oak leads to a pleasing, lingering finish.
James Suckling 96 Points
About Beringer
Passion has the wonderful power to turn mere objects into an obsession, to transform everyday tasks into art. At Beringer, we have been living our passion for over 141 years.
Our history dates back to the year 1868, when Jacob Beringer, enticed by the opportunities of the new world, sailed from his home in Mainz, Germany, to New York. However, after hearing that the rocky hillside soil and fertile valley floor resembled that of vineyards back home in Germany, Jacob made his way to the Napa Valley. Jacob and his brother Frederick purchased 215 acres of land in 1875, and became one of the first wineries in Napa Valley.
Beringer is known for establishing many ‘firsts’ as leaders in the wine industry. We were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand-dug caves and cellars. We were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. We are the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine.
We have honed, deepened, and expanded the art of winemaking. We pursue balance between modern technology and time-tested winemaking traditions, resulting in wines of global recognition.
