Always one of the best white wines for the money out of California, Beringer Private Reserve Chard is a big, lush wine that showcases the best of Napa Valley terroir and the vintage. A single-vineyard Chardonnay sourced from the Gamble Ranch, located near the town of Yountville, in the Oakville AVA, this wine highlights the richness and complexity of this varietal and has been a benchmark Chardonnay since its first vintage in 1978.


Each Chardonnay lot was kept separate throughout the aging process. After sending the fruit directly to press, the juice fermented in French oak barrels (80 percent new) to enhance the natural richness in the wine. Weekly lees stirring enhanced the toasty notes, and integrated the oak flavors for an overall balance. All of the wine was put through malolactic fermentation to encourage a lush creaminess. After 10 months aging, the most expressive lots were chosen and blended to create a richly layered wine with aromas of crème brulee and rich citrus and fruit flavors.


The Wine Advocate scored this 93+ saying "The 2017 Chardonnay Private Reserve aged for ten months in 100% new French oak. It opens with beautiful crème brûlée and candied ginger notes over a core of pineapple and green mango with a waft of brioche. Medium-bodied, satiny and with fantastic freshness, it delivers loads of tropical layers and great length. 8,100 cases produced, to be released in March 2019."


Jeb Dunnuck scored this 94 points saying "A different animal, the 2017 Chardonnay Private Reserve is richer and more opulent, with Montrachet-like caramelized lemon, tropical fruits, and brioche aromas and flavors. Nevertheless, it’s still more elegant and vibrant than past vintages, with medium body, a layered texture, and good acidity. I love its balance and it can be drunk any time over the coming 2-4 years, although there’s no need to delay gratification."


and James Suckling scored this 96 points saying "Freshly squeezed nectarines, dried jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla, peach flan, dried mangoes, jack fruit and plenty of bread dough. Full body, a very round and oily mouthfeel, expansive and commanding acidity and a long finish."