1991 Beringer Bancroft Ranch Howell Mountain Merlot As for recent Bancroft Vineyard Merlots, the 1991 boasts a huge nose of chocolate and nearly over-ripe black-cherries, with some oak and herbs adding to the bouquet's complexity. The wine is full-bodied, with a layered, opulent personality, super-ripeness, and a heady, chocolatey finish. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Beringer's Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots continue to move from strength to strength. There are now five cuvees, starting with the Cabernet Sauvignon from Knight's Valley, and more recently a Meritage red wine, followed by the three flagship reds of the Beringer empire -the Merlot from the Bancroft Vineyard on Howell Mountain, the Cabernet Sauvignon from the Chabot Vineyard, and the Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Beringer has made significant investments in Howell Mountain vineyards where they produce their superb Merlot. Consumers can expect larger quantities of Beringer's Howell Mountain wines as they have planted a large vineyard directly across the driveway leading to Randy Dunn's winery. RP
