WTN: Business dinner means Beringer

[David M. Bueker]

Business dinner at a steakhouse last night (good NY strip by the way, also like the lobster mac 'n cheese), so it was time to find a decent Cab at a reasonable price. Somewhere between anonymous plonk and Phelps Insignia (clearly out side hte intended price range) was the 2009 Beringer Knight's Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I had not bought or drank a bottle of this from any more recent vintage than 1997, so it was interesting to return to somehting that was once a cellar staple. I was positively surprised in that the 2009 was not goopy or formless, and while it was low in tannin it had enough, along with some acidity to sustain itself and complement the steaks. I did find the wine a little hot on the back end, but it was also served rather warm, so better serving temperature might deal with that issue.

Overall a nice, if not exciting bottle of wine.

Sounds a little boring, kinda like gray-suited business culture.

[David M. Bueker]

Sounds a little boring, kinda like gray-suited business culture.

It was a little boring, but it worked with steak.

I would not call our culture gray-suited. It has evolved past that. Steak houses have not.

I had not bought or drank a bottle of this from any more recent vintage than 1997, so it was interesting to return to somehting that was once a cellar staple.

Beringer KV was a staple for me 91-94. Then prices did a pretty good bump, and I stopped buying. But recently the Zachys internet auction had a case of the 97. I took a flyer and bought for less than current vintage. Opened first last night, was a lot livelier than some big name 97s which are crashing and burning.

Thanks for note