WINE REVIEW: Beringer 2019 Chardonnay ‘Private Reserve’, Napa Valley, CA ($38)

by Andrew Chalk

It is not often that one uses the word “bargain” to describe a wine that is nearly $40 but I would here, and it would be entirely respectfully. This totally New World chardonnay is so finely made from such powerful underpinning components that it is almost a winemaking class ‘ideal type’ for students to emulate.

From the nose with complex tropical fruit, oak, barrel, and apple notes to the palate with those same flavors supported by medium-high acids that left the wine and a long complex fruit and oak finish.

This may turn out to be my ‘Chardonnay of The Year’ -- but there are still two months to go.

Sample.