(From a recent tasting).

Beringer Botrytised 1990 Late Harvest wine is a dessert wine that has been aged to a “sweet” spot in terms of its potential. The bottle in question is a half sized bottle. This wine is made from grapes: 55% Semillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc. They have been affected by a fungus called botrytis, typical in Beringer fashion-innoculated on a tray, after harvest. This a fungus that causes the grapes to shrivel up and concentrate their sugars, resulting in a sweeter, more flavorful wine.

Upon pouring, the wine appears dark amber in color with a tinge of orange with a slightly viscous texture. On the nose, the wine explodes with aromas of dried apricot, honey, and caramel, with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is rich and complex, with flavors of candied orange peel, honeycomb, and baking spices, with a subtle hint of minerality. The wine has a long, lingering finish, with some acidity to keeps the sweetness in check.

This wine is an excellent choice to serve as an after-dinner drink, paired with a dessert that is not too sweet, such as a blue cheese plate or a fruit tart. This wine can also be enjoyed on its own as a dessert, sipped slowly and savored.

Overall, the Beringer Botrytised 1990 Late Harvest wine is an exceptional dessert wine that has aged gracefully. It is a testament to the skill and expertise of Beringer’s winemakers and a true pleasure to drink. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a well-crafted dessert wine. Because of how well it has aged and because of its exemplary and distinguished nose we rate it a WB 97. by Mollie Gould