"The trial blend of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve also looks to be sensational. It could turn out better than the 2004. Contrary to some of the reports I have heard that production is enormous, there are only around 10,000 cases of the Private Reserve, and 200-250 cases of each single vineyard component. The 2005 Private Reserve reveals a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of blackberries, crushed rocks, and spring flowers. It possesses a more Bordeaux-like structure than the more opulent 2004, but there is no shortage of depth, richness, glycerin, or power. The vintage’s freshness and vibrancy are well presented in this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon. It should hit its prime by 2012-2013, and last until 2025+."
-Wine Advocate 94-96

"The strength of California's 2005 vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon is evident in this collection of wines, including seven that earn classic marks. You rarely see this many wines with such richness, elegance, refinement and focus... Beringer 2005 Napa Valley Private Reserve Cabernet... Offers richness, concentration and depth while remaining elegant and supple, focusing on the ripe, spicy currant, mineral, herb and sage notes. Ends with a measure of finesse and polish, with the right mix of tannins. Drink now through 2016."
- Wine Spectator

"Good bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, minerals and sweet spices. Lush and creamy, with explosive, fully ripe dark fruit and mineral flavors and terrific back-end lift. Finishes with big, broad, fine-grained tannins and impressive length. The goal here is not to make an early-drinking wine but one with sweet tannins and thoroughly ripe fruit, notes winemaker Laurie Hook, but I find this sexy from the start."
-International Wine Cellar

"A great vintage of Private Reserve, this reflects the sensibilities of two winemakers: Ed Sbragia, who has shepherded the blend for three decades, and Laurie Hook, who joined Sbragia in 1986. Hook's influence on the Beringer tyle has been subtle but significant over the past several years. The tightness of this wine and the more overt minerality in its tannin provide a defined arc of flavor, with firmer edges than often appeared in the smooth, sleek Private Reserve blends of the past. A large portion of the wine comes from Howell Mountain (Bancroft Ranch, Steinhauer and Rancho del Oso make up 60 percent), with another 25 percent from Beringer's St. Helena Home Ranch. The detail in the tannin shapes the complexity of the wine, the dark fruit and licorice flavors smoothed by oak. It's a formidable Cabernet, deserving of ten years in teh cellar to reach peak drinking." 93 Points
Wine & Spirits