Beringer Vineyards

Estate Bottled Bancroft Ranch Vineyard Merlot

9.165 ratings
8.818 pro ratings
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Tobin Trevarthen

Something about an aged Merlot that is truly special. Ruby red, brown edges. Misty notes on top of a black cherry river of goodness.

Something about an aged Merlot that is truly special. Ruby red, brown edges. Misty notes on top of a black cherry river of goodness.

Nov 24th, 2019
Palmer Emmitt

Owner/Winemaker Judge Palmer

9.3

In a beautiful place right now. Showing age but elegantly so - the tannins completely resolved, the fruit stingingly present but starting to dry, the tertiary flavors just barely peeking their head above ground.

In a beautiful place right now. Showing age but elegantly so - the tannins completely resolved, the fruit stingingly present but starting to dry, the tertiary flavors just barely peeking their head above ground.

Nov 22nd, 2019
Olivia Mason

Drinking beautifully right now. Black cherry and dried Fig are in balance with oak spice and earthiness. Tannins are still firm with good acidity and a long finish.

Drinking beautifully right now. Black cherry and dried Fig are in balance with oak spice and earthiness. Tannins are still firm with good acidity and a long finish.

2 people found it helpfulFeb 4th, 2016
Michael Meagher MS

Chairman/Founder Boston Sommelier Society, Beverage Director Cafe Escadrille

9.3

Still kicking it, not bad for California Merlot... Key is to get some altitude! Leather, plum and prune, blackberry and sweet vanilla and cinnamon notes. Very delicious indeed.

Still kicking it, not bad for California Merlot... Key is to get some altitude! Leather, plum and prune, blackberry and sweet vanilla and cinnamon notes. Very delicious indeed.

1 person found it helpfulJul 11th, 2015
Charles von Breitenbach

Drinking like silk. At the top of its game

Drinking like silk. At the top of its game

1 person found it helpfulOct 5th, 2014
Michael Hildbold

Exactly what old napa cab/merlot should taste like.

Exactly what old napa cab/merlot should taste like.

1 person found it helpfulAug 23rd, 2014
Carla Maas

Cranberry very tasty

Cranberry very tasty

1 person found it helpfulMay 22nd, 2014
Michael Meagher MS

Chairman/Founder Boston Sommelier Society, Beverage Director Cafe Escadrille

9.5

Just another example of how 1998 is running over the "superior" vintage of 1997. Oh, and the vineyard site is pretty amazing as well. Outstanding wine even if a touch sweet with the alcohol.

Just another example of how 1998 is running over the "superior" vintage of 1997. Oh, and the vineyard site is pretty amazing as well. Outstanding wine even if a touch sweet with the alcohol.

Jul 4th, 2016
Jason Sherman

Sommelier at the Clubs at Carlton Woods

7.6

Usually a gem. Not today.

Usually a gem. Not today.

Feb 7th, 2016
Tom Gendall

Bretty but blew off to gentle berry fruits and interesting secondary characters.

Bretty but blew off to gentle berry fruits and interesting secondary characters.

Jan 24th, 2015