Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California

Cabernet Sauvignon 87%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Malbec 2%, Petit Verdot 1%

Purchase Price ~$40 (Gift)

James Suckling 94, Wine & Spirits 92, Robert Parker 90, ElsBob 91

ABV 14.5%

A dense deep ruby with a pale red rim. Full-bodied wine with aromas of cherries, blackberries, with hints of lavender and spice. On the palate, approachable tannins, crisp acidity, and beautiful long finish. A wine made to enjoy with ribeyes and filets.

An excellent fine wine at a slightly elevated price. The wine is hard to find but Beringer still offers it for sale on their website for $24 (half bottle).

Trivia: Knights Valley, originally known as Mallacomes Valley, was granted to José de los Santos Berryessa by the Mexican governor in 1843. In 1853, Thomas B. Knight, a native of Maine and a veteran of the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, purchased much of Berryessa’s ranch. Knight renamed it Rancho Muristood and planted vineyards, fruit trees, and wheat. Mallacomes Valley gradually became known as Knights Valley. After Knight’s death in 1881, the property passed through numerous hands, and much of the land reverted to small farms and cattle ranches. By the mid‑20th century, viticulture returned when Beringer bought large tracts of land in the valley and initially focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. They released their first Knights Valley wine in 1974.