Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve 2024

Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay originates from the United States, within California’s world-renowned Napa Valley AVA. First crafted in 1977 by legendary winemaker Myron Nightingale, this bottling was created to demonstrate that Napa Valley could produce a world-class, age-worthy Chardonnay capable of standing alongside the finest White Burgundies. The fruit is sourced primarily from prime, cool-climate vineyard sites in the Gamble Ranch in Yountville and select plots in Carneros. Operating with a commitment to parcel-by-parcel selection, Beringer’s philosophy for the Private Reserve Chardonnay focuses on barrel fermentation, lees stirring, and full malolactic conversion to create a benchmark expression of classic, decadent Napa Valley Chardonnay.

Wine Description

This white wine displays a brilliant, deep golden-yellow appearance in the glass with bright yellow-green highlights. It possesses a full-bodied, rich, and voluptuous structure defined by a creamy, mouth-coating, and supple texture. The sensory profile is opulent, fragrant, and layered, opening with a bold bouquet of ripe yellow peaches, baked red apples, Meyer lemon curd, and tropical pineapple, interwoven with rich secondary notes of toasted brioche, melted butter, vanilla bean, roasted hazelnuts, and warm baking spices. On the broad palate, it delivers a dense core of stone fruit and citrus oil, balanced by a fine thread of natural acidity that keeps the wine vibrant and fresh despite its weight. The finish is remarkably long, warm, and luxurious, leaving lingering echoes of toasted oak, crème brûlée, and sweet spice.

• Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay.

• Stylistic Notes: The grapes are hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness, gently whole-cluster pressed, and transferred directly to French oak barrels for fermentation using selected yeast strains. The wine undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation along with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) over 8 to 10 months of barrel aging in approximately 75% to 80% new French oak, enhancing its rich texture and complex spice profile.

• ABV: 14.5% to 14.8%.