WINE World, which owns Beringer, Chateau Souverain, Maison Deutz and Meridian, is one of California's biggest producers.
Its Beringer Winery, at the lower end, presents a large range of soundly priced varietals under the name Napa Ridge.
This range sells more than a million cases a year. At the top end, under its Private Reserve label, Beringer produces finely crafted wines which rank among California's best.
Its 1985 Private Reserve cabernet was rated the best wine released in the world in 1990 by the Wine Spectator.
One of its lesser known top wines is its Howell Mountain Merlot.
The 1989 is a typical merlot in colour - limpid ruby.
It is surprisingly forward. Hold it in your mouth and the flavours, which are rich and plummy, become more assertive.
