2007 Beringer Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.95. LCBO#606798.
For this Wine Wednesday, I am cheating a bit on the $10 quest. I haven’t made it to the LCBO lately, so I decided to try a bottle that has been hanging out in my wine cellar (aka a wine box in the corner of my kitchen) for a while. This cab-sav has been tempting me, but costs $14 and has been languishing while I’ve been drinking its cheaper cousins.
Hailing from Napa, California, this bottle is from the somewhat commercial but usually tasty Beringer Vineyards. I just noticed on Wine Align that Beringer makes a $9.95 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for its California Collection, which I of course will need to add to my shopping list and compare as I dare.
I am a fan of cabernet sauvignons, as well as California reds, and this bottle does not disappoint. It’s very ripe and fruit-forward, almost a touch sweet. The oak is mellow and velvety in your mouth, with a very smooth and satisfying finish.
I paired this wine with beef stew and it stood up to the rich meatiness well. It’s so drinkable it would be a good party wine as well, since it is full bodied but not overpowering.
I have a depressing feeling that the reason this bottle is so good is because it costs $14….but never fear, I plan to taste its $10 brother and report back.
Overall, I give this wine a 9/10 for taste and 4/5 for value.
I’m definitely wine impaired – I get easily confused in the liquor store and generally end up either going for the sale item or the pretty label.. I’m going to give this one a try!
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I am extremely sad to share that I just picked up a bottle of the 2008 vintage, and it is not the same at all.
A bit watery, too light in colour, and way too light in taste. Not special at all.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not gross, but it really is not worth $14 any more. Maybe $9 and I would criticize it less.
The fact that it was on sale today for $13 doesn’t really make me feel better.
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