Our Rating
Sonoma
Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2021 Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon serves as a focused example of what Sonoma County’s warmer inland appellations can produce. Sourced from volcanic soils that bridge the gap between Alexander Valley and Napa Valley, this bottling emphasizes power and concentration. It stands as a step up from the standard tier, offering greater depth, oak integration, and structural longevity suitable for cellaring or immediate consumption with extended aeration.
Knights Valley holds a unique position in California viticulture as one of the few appellations in Sonoma County that remains entirely contiguous with the Napa Valley border. Beringer Vineyards was instrumental in establishing this region, having recognized its potential in the mid-1960s. The estate vineyards here are defined by rocky, alluvial soils and a climate that benefits from significant diurnal shifts. While Beringer is a historic heavyweight with broad reach, their work in Knights Valley has always focused on site-specific farming to capture the rugged, stony character of the terrain. The “Reserve” designation implies a selection of the most expressive blocks, intended to showcase the distinct volcanic profile of the area.
Ryan Rech currently leads the winemaking team at Beringer Vineyards. Appointed Chief Winemaker in 2021, Rech brings a background that includes tenure as the estate’s Luxury Red Winemaker since 2016. His philosophy centers on preserving the “voice” of the vineyard, a necessity when working with fruit as distinct as that from Knights Valley. Rech’s approach involves meticulous lot selection and separate vinification of vineyard blocks to maintain their individual characteristics before final blending. For the 2021 vintage, this meant balancing the inherent ripeness of the year with the region’s natural savory elements.
Look
The wine pours a deep, opaque ruby with a concentrated core that tapers to a narrow magenta rim. High viscosity is evident as slow-moving legs coat the glass.
Smell
The nose is aromatic and dense, led by ripe blackberry, crème de cassis, and black plum. Beneath the primary fruit lies a layer of crushed violet and dried lavender, characteristic of the region. Notes of graphite, cedar, and fresh espresso add complexity, while a touch of wild sage and thyme provides a savory lift that balances the ripe fruit profile.
Taste
On the palate, this Cabernet is full-bodied and weighty. The texture is dense but polished, with firm, fine-grained tannins providing a solid structural frame. Flavors mirror the nose with black cherry and dark chocolate taking the lead, supported by nuances of anise and toasted oak. The acidity is moderate but sufficient to keep the finish fresh and persistent. The aftertaste lingers with notes of dark fruit leather and a distinct dusty minerality.
The 2021 Knights Valley Reserve delivers a confident expression of the variety, balancing the heat of the vintage with the savory rusticity of the AVA. It is a substantial wine that prioritizes structure and fruit concentration without veering into excess. While it is approachable now with ample air, the firm tannin profile suggests it will evolve gracefully in the cellar, softening and gaining secondary nuances over time.
USA
Sonoma
Cabernet Sauvignon
15.4
Ryan Rech
1 to 2 hours
Now to 2038
Beringer Vineyards
