1994 Beringer Napa Valley Howell Mountain Merlot Bancroft Ranch

92 points Robert Parker: "Beringer's Merlot Bancroft Vineyard from their holdings on Howell Mountain tends to be a blend of approximately 90% Merlot and equal portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 1994 Merlot Bancroft Vineyard is one of the most dazzling Merlots they have yet produced. While closed initially, the wine opens quickly in the glass. The dark ruby/purple color is followed by smoky, chocolatey, and black cherry aromas with new oak in the background. In the mouth, this wine is full-bodied, with explosive levels of glycerin and richness on the back of the palate. Dense, concentrated, tannic, and angular, it is capable of lasting 15+ years. In fact, I recommend 3-4 years of cellaring before serious consumption begins." (12/97)

90 points Wine Spectator: "Elegant and complex, with herb-scented black cherry, currant, coffee and cranberry notes, finishing with firm, dry tannins, but enough fruit pushes forth to hold your interest.--California Merlot retrospective." (10/2000)