Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Knights Valley Vineyard Knights Valley 2021

Cab lovers, get your engines ready! Beringer’s Knight’s Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an all-out icon in the world of incredible wine values in California... and this Reserve bottling only takes things up a notch! 97 points. UNDER $40. And a ravishing vintage to boot!

Knight’s Valley RESERVE, from the utterly epic 2021 vintage. This is taken from a single block, and then pared down from a selection of only the very best barrels in the block, in order to craft what could very well be the undisputed Cabernet winner in all of California. Let’s be real, Sonoma can absolutely pump out some irresistible Cabernets, especially this remote and warm northeastern corner, nestled at the base of Mount St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains. And this price is something you just won’t see in Napa for this level of quality and pedigree (... yes, we’re Napa locals, but we can’t deny the truth).

I see the KVR as Beringer’s trick up their sleeve – the unexpected edge out of their entire portfolio. Everyone and their grandmother knows the estate’s sensational Private Reserve Cabernet, and foodies ‘round the country have likely seen their delectable and approachably priced regular Knight’s Valley Cab on many a steakhouse wine list. But, we’ll say it – this Reserve Cab tops the best of those wines. It’s no coincidence that James Suckling gave this KVR ($70 retail) and the Private Reserve ($175 retail) from the same 2021 vintage matching 97-point scores. And we have the KVR for UNDER $40.

Perfumed and floral notes of violets, lilac, and lavender pull you in like a gentle hug, before sheer power and depth explode across the palate – blackberries and plums, with black cherry kirsch, mulberries, warm mocha, graphite, and toasted baking spice. It’s so incredibly expansive, so delicately polished, and that cooler Knight’s Valley freshness ensures this has another decade or more of prime drinking. Truly, y’all, it’s simply unfathomable to score this at such a crazy low price. I love their Private Reserve – but seriously, load up on this, and tuck those PR goodies away for another decade, ‘cause this flat-out stuns, even now. We got all we could, but still it’s not enough! Go get yours! 

PAIRING IDEAS: Long live skillet meals. Not the prettiest, but sooo delicious and cozy this time of year. Brown some ground beef with onion and garlic, add in diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, jalapeno, and a can of diced tomatoes with some cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cover it all with some broth to let the veggies steam down and soften, and then sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with avocado, cilantro, and a big ol’ glass of this bodacious KVR; your weeknight just got WAY better.