Alcohol: 13.5%

Grape(s): Merlot

Localization: North Coast, Napa Valley, California, USA

Tasting Notes: The Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot is approachable and delicious. Hints of plum and brown spice on the nose complement the boysenberry, blackberry, and blueberry finish on the palate. It's well-balanced, soft tannins make this wine a perfect accompaniment to a variety of foods, such as grilled meats or hearty vegetable dishes.

The Domain: Our history dates back to the year 1868, when Jacob Beringer, enticed by the opportunities of the new world, sailed from his home in Mainz, Germany, to New York. However, after hearing that the rocky hillside soil and fertile valley floor of Napa Valley resembled that of vineyards back home in Germany, Jacob made his way to California in 1869. He became cellar foreman for Charles Krug, one of the first commercial winemakers in Napa Valley. A few years later, in 1875, Jacob and his brother, Frederick, purchased 215 acres, right next door to Charles Krug in St. Helena for $14,500. This parcel of land, known as Los Hermanos (the brothers), became the heart of the Beringer estate.

The Beringer Brothers oversaw their first harvest and crush in 1876 on this estate. With Jacob serving as winemaker and Frederick as financier, the brothers made approximately 40,000 gallons of wine, or 18,000 cases, that first year. In order to make room for the fermentation tanks, the first two floors of the Old Winery were completed and Chinese workers began digging a 1,200 linear feet tunnel to store the wine for aging.

Like its investments in innovations, Beringer has invested deeply in its winemakers, with an average tenure of almost 16 years per winemaker. In 1971, Myron Nightingale joined Beringer as the 5th winemaker. He developed a special French Sauternes-style wine called Nightingale, aptly named, which is still made and bottled at the winery today. Ed Sbragia joined Myron as assistant winemaker. Together, they launched the Private Reserve collection, using specifically selected Cabernet and Chardonnay grapes. Ed, of course, then got promoted to winemaker in 1984. Laurie Hook became the 7th winemaker in 2000, with Ed staying on as Winemaker Emeritus. In 2015, Jacob Beringer's great, great-grandson, Mark Beringer, joined the team as our Chief Winemaker, while Laurie Hook remained as Winemaker Emeritus. Finally, in 2021, after six years working side-by-side with Mark, Ryan Rech took the reins as Chief Winemaker.

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Beringer Founder's Estate Merlot 2021 (MAGNUM 1.5L)

$16.99

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