Past Issues: Bargain Wine, apr/may 2004 --
Beringer Founders' Estate

In this regular feature, we spotlight those wines that offer great bang for the buck -- under $15 bucks, to be exact. Here you'll find our everyday wines, house pours, and occasionally a great new find. Have a favorite Bargain Wine? Tell us about it at editor@wineskinny.com! 

Beringer's Founders' Estate line of wines was created in the early 1990s to offer consumers a Beringer option in the $10 range. The line has been extremely popular in the ensuing years, earning consumer and critic accolades. We recently tasted most of the current releases and thought they all were a good bang for the buck! Sporting plenty of flavor density, they are perfect for pairing with the bold flavors of summer grilling and casual meals.

Beringer 2002 Sauvignon Blanc California Founders' Estate ($11). Smoke and glycerin aromas mingle with medium- to full-bodied green apple and quince fruit. Stays focused on the finish, picking up a fresh, citrusy character. Not your everyday Sauvignon Blanc, but tasty. Ready to drink now.

Beringer 2002 Chardonnay California Founders' Estate ($12). Caramelized apple and sweet pineapple are ripe and forward, with yet more sweet vanilla and plenty of oak. Seems rich and one-sided. Does pick up a slight citrusy note on the finish. Ready to drink now.

Beringer 2002 Pinot Noir California Founders' Estate ($12). Vanilla scented red fruit bouquet moves into tart red cherry and wild raspberry fruit flavors that stay focused through to the moderate finish, picking up green tea accents. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

Beringer 2001 Merlot California Founders' Estate ($12). Appealing, understated bouquet includes sweet black cherry and plum and warm spices. Ripe, dense black cherry fruit flavors are accented with espresso bean and generous cedar notes. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

Beringer 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon California Founders' Estate ($12). Yummy chocolate and cherry aromas and flavors pick up a touch of cracked black pepper and rich vanilla oak. Ripe, with loads of Cabernet flavors. Generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

Beringer also makes a Founders' Estate Shiraz and Zinfandel. For more information on the wines, visit www.beringer.com.