2008 Beringer California Collection, White Zinfandel, California

Terry post:

Summer Wine Series

As I have said many times before, "If you like it - it is good wine". And, that axiom also includes summer quaffers such as the Beringer White Zinfandel. Adding to that: don't let wine snobs stop you from drinking something that you like at the dinner table, poolside or at a picnic.

There IS a place for easy drinking wines and the wine buying customer can drink whatever they choose recognizing that there are limits to any wine - including those consumed poolside.

My impressions: Pink in the glass. Strawberries and a hint of raspberries on the nose when first poured. Strawberries (again) and soft citrus across the palate with a long syrupy-fruit finish. Its overly sweet character makes it nearly impossible for food pairing as the sweet strawberries will overwhelm almost anything with which it is served. Best enjoyed COLD - served alone before or after a meal. Recommended.

Second thoughts: This wines needs to be served COLD. As the wine warmed in the glass the fruit characteristics disappeared leaving only an indistinguishable muddle of fruit on the nose and medicinal finish. Not food-friendly as it will obliterate any other competing elements in the meal to which it accompanies.

$7.00 at Cheers

~ Terry

2007 Beringer, California Collection, Chardonnay, California

Terry post:

Summer Wine Series

The first thing you need to know about any Beringer wine is that the brand has multiple product lines from which to choose, including:

· Private Reserve

· Knights Valley

· Napa Valley

· California Collection

This means that the consumer should be mindful of which product line the wine originated. The Private Reserve are the small-batch, hand-crafted product while the California Collection is their mass market product.

My impressions: Straw in color. Subtle buttery-oakiness layered with floral notes in the glass. A quickly passing hint of acidity at the finish. Easy drinking quaffable wine. As their low priced offering, this Beringer Chardonnay under-promises and over-delivers. Recommended.

This wine would fit nicely as a slightly-formal summer wine which would pair well with grilled chicken, cheese tray or even fresh fruit. Would not recommend it alongside any cream or butter-sauced entree.

A California Chardonnay at a reasonable price. Similiar to the Smoking Loon Syrah which I reviewed earlier, this wine fits comfortably in a value-niche. Neither the Beringer Chardonnay nor the Smoking Loon Syrah had any significant flaws (or outstanding characteristics, for that matter) and were very reasonably priced: this equals VALUE for the wine consume

$7.99 at the Giant Supermarket

~ Terry

2006 Beringer Merlot California Collection

Terry Post:

Over the years I have enjoyed many bottles of wine and have come to believe that humans have never lived in a time with more, higher-quaity and less expensive wine. We live in a time when it is almost impossible to find a bad bottle of wine. Like I said, almost impossible.

The truth is, the 2006 Beringer Merlot California Collection is not a bad wine or an awful wine: it just isn't a good wine.

My impression: Medium bodied with astringent mouth-drying tannins on the tongue and rich plum on the nose. Vegital and medicinal on the finish. Not pleasant to drink.

I paid $6.99 for the 750 mL bottle at my local wine store. Easily the least enjoyable wine I have drank in quite some time.

~ Terry