With one of the oldest names in California, Beringer has a history that dates back all the way to 1875.  In fact, it’s so old, it’s the oldest continuously operated winery in Napa.   Throughout it’s history, Beringer has been a key player in the California wine scene, especially following prohibition, where they hosted one of the first public wine tours after repeal.   Although the name was sold to Nestlé in the 1970s, the winery changed hands multiple times over the next four decades.  Despite all the changes, Beringer seems interested in honor their founding,  so how does Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 do justice to their history?

Sight:  Hints of orange are around the edges, and the core is slightly less deep that might be expected of Cabernet Sauvignon, giving a semi transparent nature.

Smell:  Blackberry and dark plums are on point, with a good amount of spices in the background.  Hints of leather and game are also present with a touch of mint.  The nose is slightly warm, and there’s a certain lick of pipe tobacco and charcoal.

Sip:  Bright at the start, and moderate – heavy in body.  The flavor profile is a bit short of ripe on the blackberry side, with plum still present.  Some of the spicy notes give a reprise with the dark fruits, but so does the minty-eucalyptus notes, and the entire sip ends up being muddled.  Texturally, it’s somewhat coarse and pointed.

Savor:  The ending pulls in some dark cherry to compliment the blackberry.  The tannins are moderate, and the finish actually carries on for a while.

Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is good, but a little inconsistent.  While there are great dark fruits and spice elements, the muddled flavors get off track.   The texture is somewhat inconsistent as well, which makes the whole package a little more complicated, but not in the good way.  That said, Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is throughly drinkable, and certainly enjoyable, even if it’s not the best Cabernet ever.

Verdict:  Blackberry, Plum, Spice, Dark Fruit
Price: $8.99
Napa, California