Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Founders Estate 2009

A good wine, dry and full-bodied, made in the Beringer style, namely, instantly drinkable and likeable. Has pleasant blackberry and cassis flavors. Pulled down a notch by some rough, tart notes and a hot, peppery finish.

Deep ruby-red. Sweet aromas of plum, currant, licorice and violet. Sweeter and broader than the 2001, with enticing flavors of plum, currant and spices. A cabernet franc component contributes a note of blueberry. Has a bit more stuffing to support its substantial tannins.

Soft, rounded flavors and rich fruit character are enhanced by oak undertones from aging in small French and American barrels. Accessible tannins provide structure to the vivid berry profile.

Another good drink from this line, this Cab displays ripe, juicy flavors of black currants and cherries that are accented with smoky vanilla and toast. Itrsquo;s smooth and supple in the mouth. A good value in this price range.

Pour this into a decanter and it will go from being a thick, black-cherry red to a plush, generous, cherry-scented cabernet, a simple pleasure with a steak.

Riper blackberry flavors are side by side with less ripe, greener notes in this dry, good wine of average character. It has pretty tannins, soft acidity, and velvety mouthfeel of a great wine, minus the concentration. The difference is vine yield, but this is a good wine for the price.

Soft and easy-drinking, with herbal, red currant, mocha and vanilla notes. Drink now through 2004.