Bancroft Ranch Merlot (2008)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and complex Merlot from Howell Mountain, showcasing dark fruit flavors and a lingering finish.
About this wine
The 2008 Beringer Bancroft Ranch Merlot from Howell Mountain offers a deep garnet color and an inviting aroma of ripe blackberries, black cherries, and subtle hints of espresso. On the palate, it delivers rich flavors of dark plum and cassis, complemented by notes of cedar and a touch of mint. The wine's well-structured tannins and balanced acidity provide a full-bodied experience, leading to a supple, lingering finish. Sourced from the Bancroft Ranch vineyard at 1,800 feet elevation, the unique volcanic soils contribute to the wine's concentrated flavors and complexity. This Merlot exemplifies the potential of Howell Mountain terroir, offering a memorable tasting experience.
About the grape
Merlot, originally from Bordeaux, France, is known for its soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors. In the 1980s, Beringer Vineyards began producing a vineyard-designated Merlot from the Bancroft Ranch on Howell Mountain, highlighting the grape's potential in Napa Valley. The vineyard's high elevation and volcanic soils contribute to the concentrated flavors and structure of the Merlot grown there. This partnership has resulted in consistently acclaimed wines that showcase the unique characteristics of Howell Mountain Merlot.
Quick facts
- ⛰️ The Bancroft Ranch Vineyard, located at an elevation of 1,800 feet on Howell Mountain, benefits from well-drained volcanic soils, contributing to the wine's concentrated flavors and robust structure.
- 🍇 Beringer has been producing a vineyard-designated Bancroft Ranch Merlot since the 1987 vintage, showcasing the unique terroir of this high-altitude vineyard.
- 🍷 The 2008 vintage of Bancroft Ranch Merlot is known for its deep garnet color and complex layers of black fruit, including blackberry and black cherry, complemented by hints of espresso and dark chocolate.
- 🏅 The Howell Mountain AVA, established in 1984, was the first sub-appellation within Napa Valley, recognized for its distinct characteristics and exceptional wine grapes.
- 🏆 Beringer's Bancroft Ranch Merlot has consistently received high praise from critics, with vintages like the 2005 earning 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, highlighting its quality and aging potential.
Palate profile
Producer
Beringer Vineyards, established in 1876 by German brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer, is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley. The estate's iconic Rhine House, completed in 1884, was designed to resemble the family's German home and is now a National Historic Landmark. In 1934, following Prohibition, Beringer became the first California winery to offer public tours and tastings, pioneering wine tourism in the region. Notably, Beringer is the only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator magazine.
