Beringer "Quantum" Red 2011
(Napa Valley, California) - [AG 93+] [RP 90]

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Notes from the Winemaker:

NAPA VALLEY QUANTUM
Quantum is the smallest unit of energy achievable in science. Each tiny particle - each singular quantum – holds unique potential to contribute to a larger being. When these units combine, each quantum contributes its specific essence, resulting in a system of great expression and complexity. Similarly in wine, Beringer recognizes that each grape varietal offers unique flavor and structure, and that each vineyard and block of vines contributes yet another expression of those varietals. In other words, each of these components acts as a quantum. When these varietals, or quanta combine, they produce something of far greater value. Something that bundles a source of life; something marked by layered complexity. Beringer farms a unique and irreplaceable collection of remarkable vineyard sites, and Chief Winemaker Laurie Hook has been crafting wines from these vineyards for over 25 years. With the Quantum blend, Laurie highlights the individual properties of each varietal to create a wine with balance, structure and flavor.

VINTAGE & VINEYARDS
The 2011 vintage began with a wet winter and cool spring that delayed bloom and reduced fruit set, resulting in lower yields in many parts of the North Coast region. Cool temperatures delayed ripening by several weeks, a timetable that continued through the cooler-than-usual summer season. Few high heat events occurred at any point in 2011, and growers managed more open vine canopies to ensure sunlight, warmth and good air circulation around the grape clusters. The 2011 Quantum was harvested from October 12th to November 2th.

WINEMAKING
In order to create a blend that highlights the outstanding terroir of Beringer’s many Napa Valley vineyards, Laurie kept each vineyard lot separate from the moment the grapes were harvested, until final blending. In creating Quantum, Laurie was also excited to showcase an interesting mix of varietals with the foundation of Cabernet Sauvignon, the backbone of the Beringer portfolio. The majority of fruit comes from vineyards along the valley floor, along with a smaller portion from Howell Mountain. The Merlot contributes round mouthfeel and soft tannins, Petite Sirah adds spice complexity and texture, and Petit Verdot lends dark, inky fruit notes and rich structure to the blend. The wines were aged in French oak (63% new barrels) for 15 months, and then in bottle for six months.

LAURIE’S TASTING NOTES
The 2011 Quantum has aromas of black raspberry, dark cherry, cardamom, leather and a touch of graphite. The wine has a plush texture, silky tannins and a ripe juicy core of black fruits. Elegant structure and nice depth culminate with a long finish.

SOURCING: Napa Valley
ANALYSIS: Alc: 15.1% TA: 5.9 g/L pH: 3.75
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Sirah, 1% Petit Verdot
VINIFICATION
Barrel aged in French oak for 15 months
(63% new barrels)

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93+ Antonio Galloni:
"The Cabernet Sauvignon-based 2011 Quantum is drop-dead gorgeous. Blackberries, cassis, grilled herbs and new leather all jump from the glass in a full-bodied, intense wine loaded with fruit. The 2011 is voluptuous and seamless from start to finish. Cloves, licorice and smoke all add nuance on the powerful, tannic close. The Quantum is another huge, rich 2011 from Beringer." - Antonio Galloni (November 2013)

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"An outstanding effort, the 2011 Quantum Proprietary Red is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot that achieved 15.1% natural alcohol White chocolate, black currants, sweet kirsch, espresso roast and earth are followed by a deep, rich, full-bodied, fruity, supple-textured red. Consume it over the next 7-8 years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Oct 2013)

Stephen Tanzer:
"(15.1% alcohol; a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petite sirah and petit verdot): Bright red-ruby. Much riper on the nose than the 2011 Merlot Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley, offering scents of dark berries, black plum, espresso, chocolate, menthol and herbs. Fine-grained and fairly intense, with enough raspberry, currant and milk chocolate flavor to support the herbal and menthol elements. Finishes with dusty tannins and a slight herbal edge." - Stephen Tanzer (May 2014)