{"product_id":"2017-bancroft-ranch-napa-valley-merlot","title":"2017 Beringer Bancroft Ranch Napa Valley Merlot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love This Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e This isn't your everyday Merlot—this is mountain-grown, serious Merlot from one of Howell Mountain's most celebrated sites. Beringer has been making vineyard-designated Bancroft Ranch Merlot since 1987, and it consistently stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the legendary Cabernets produced by its neighbors. 92 points, Wine Spectator (Cellar Selection).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e Full-bodied, rich, and decadent. The nose opens with super-ripe blackberry, cassis, black plum, and fresh violet, threaded with wild sage and bay leaf. On the palate, it's luxuriously textured—plum, black cherry, and red currant layered with clove, mocha, black pepper, and a touch of dark chocolate. Firm, chalky tannins provide serious structure while remaining velvety, leading to a long, spicy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBraised lamb shanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled ribeye with herb butter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMushroom risotto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged gouda or gruyère\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy It Works\u003c\/strong\u003e Bancroft Ranch sits at 1,800 feet on Howell Mountain's volcanic soils—well-drained, infertile ground that stresses the vines and produces small, intensely flavored berries with thick skins. The vineyard is 5-10 degrees cooler than the valley floor but gets more hours of sunshine above the fog line, allowing for extended hang time and slow, even ripening. Aged in 100% new French oak, this wine straddles the line between intense mountain power and surprising elegance. Now entering its prime drinking window, it rewards a couple hours in the decanter and has another 5+ years of cellar potential. A benchmark for what California Merlot can be.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45160945942748,"sku":"8042523","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0647\/3675\/5932\/files\/BER2017HMBancroftRanchMerlot750.png?v=1778084963","url":"https:\/\/thewineevent.com\/products\/2017-bancroft-ranch-napa-valley-merlot","provider":"The Wine Event","version":"1.0","type":"link"}