2012 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Steinhauer Ranch

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Steinhauer Vineyard is another reticent, backward wine. Veins of firm, incisive tannin give the Steinhauer much of its energy and poise, but also keeps the fruit from emerging fully. Today it is the wine's mineral-inflected drive and overall tension that stand out most. It will be interesting to see if the 2012 blossoms with time. At the moment, there is very little of the vintage's precociousness and early appeal. Still, I am encouraged by the potential of what is in the glass.