2009 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon California Collection

 

The misses & I had a wonderful evening with friends last night. We gathered at Bidon in St, Lambert to celebrate the 45 birthday of a good friend, Ron Siegl. Lots of very nice wine was consumed. It’s not everyday that I get to sit and sample 3 terrific reds – but it would have been a little rude to take notes. So no reviews on those. However, I found time this morning to swing by the SAQ and pick up a bottle of California Cabernet. It’s very well priced – but is there value in it?

 

Not bad. I pick up some oak on the nose right away – along with your typical dark fruit, pleasant. It’s a smooth wine, subtly sweet, fruity, medium bodied, not a huge finish but overall better than what I was expecting for a $12 bottle. It’s a great example of what we were talking about last night. The fact that so many people spend $10 – $12 for a lousy bottle at the supermarket when they could find a half decent bottle for the same amount at the SAQ. Beringer is the perfect example. Easy sipping wine that is enjoyable and smooth all for only $12. It’s not a complex wine, a little on the light side for a cabernet, very light tannins but still enjoyable. I will certainly be adding this to my Keepers list. One of these days I should do a shootout between my two favorite $12 bottles, perhaps this one and a Gallo family cabernet. Seems California is making some good, inexpensive wines. cheers.

Often when I try a bottle for the first time I do my best to pick up its main characteristics. What am I tasting that tells me this is a Cabernet, or a Sangiovese? Now, after seeing this video – maybe I really shouldn’t bother and just enjoy the drink.

http://beringer.com