Tasting- Beringer Bros Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Beringer Bros Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 

Region: Napa Valley, California

Country: United States

Year: 2019

Price: $15.99 

Winery Review

"Bold, balanced and fruity wine with notes of red fruit and black fruit. This was complimented by the sweet aromas and flavors from the bourbon barrel aging. This wine nicely complimented a grilled beef roast with creamy mash potatoes." 

- Mas Vino from Vivino

Wine Folly

Wine Folly describes Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley to "offer more black cherry with lush tannins" (page 89). I find this to be a fairy accurate description; however, I did not find this bottle to be exceptionally overwhelming in the tannic qualities. I felt like those dark cherry and plum notes- characteristic of Californian Cabernets- to balance the wine, allowing for a young wine to not seem so overwhelming in tannins. 

My Review 

Beringer Bros was an utter delight, as every inch of the flavor profile was a good balance. Although it felt full bodied- rich in tannic qualities- it wasn't too overpowering on the palate. When tasting, the wine felt velvety smooth on the tongue, leaving a dark cherry, toffee notes. Although it tasted very good, I almost felt like this wine would be better for cooking. When first sampling this wine, my partner and I used it as a base for a red, meat sauce for our pasta dinner. (Granted we left enough to have a glass with the dinner.) This first experience felt magical. Hint of dark cherry, savory plum, and a hint of blackberry dominated the palate in a harmonious dance. These flavors even being apparent in the sauce we had made. I felt like the barrel aging allowed for the richness in flavors to be translated and fully realized, creating a multifaceted dining experience.