Sign In

2016 Beringer Bancroft Ranch Howell Mountain Merlot

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

January 8, 2023 - $63

Estimate

RATINGS

97James Suckling

Although this has enormously deep blackberry character, the savory and smoky notes are every bit as important to this bold and highly structured cabernet. Giant concentration at the spectacular finish, but the tannins are already pretty well integrated. Such purity.

95Jeb Dunnuck

...ripe black cherry, chocolate, tobacco, and graphite aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, good acidity, and outstanding balance...

93Wine Spectator

This bursts across the palate with intense red berry and cherry flavors that are burnished and well-structured. The savory finish is long, rich and filled with Asian spice and cocoa powder accents.

92The Wine Advocate

...sings of warm black and red plums, black cherry compote and molten chocolate with touches of baking spices and underbrush. Full-bodied, concentrated and decadent, it has a soft texture and bags of juicy fruit, finishing spicy.

91Vinous / IWC

...super distinctive... Black cherry, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice and savory herbs abound in a potent, structured Merlot endowed with terrific underlying tension and power.

91Wine Enthusiast

Sanguine with fruity flavors of currant and cassis, this is a hearty, full-bodied and substantially ripe red, lush on the palate with a succulent texture. It has aspects of forest sage, dusty rock, cocoa powder that highlight mountain tannin structure and bold oak.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

Howell Mountain AVA in Northeastern Napa Valley was the first of Napa Valley’s sub-appellations, earning its own designation in 1984, just a year after Napa Valley became an appellation. As the name suggests, the AVA is in one of the highest elevations in the area. Every vineyard in the appellation is at least 1,400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet and because of their altitude most of the AVA’s vineyards receive more sun than vineyards at lower elevations, which are affected by fog from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. Howell Mountain was home to vineyards in the late 19th century, but winemaker Randy Dunn is considered the area’s most influential modern pioneer. Dunn moved to Howell Mountain in 1979, acquired property and began making exceptionally rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The AVA also grows Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. There are 600 vineyard acres within Howell Mountain AVA.

TYPE

Red Wine, Merlot

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.