The quest for the best of the cheap continues. This one is not the best of anything but it has its virtues.
Black cherry and mint on the simple, low intensity, yet pleasant nose. But the palate is thin and tart. It is dry with a nice acidic bite but the fruit falls of a cliff. Refreshing but meager with a short, acid-driven finish and underlying soft tannins. There is nothing bold about this and its only balanced on the edge of a precipice. Happily, it doesn’t have the faux opulence of some cheap wines—no candied fruit, bubblegum perfume, or chocolate/vanilla pretense. Too spare and austere for many but if you’re tired of bluster and bluff on the bottom shelf this might be your wine.
Something quiet and austere. Here is the great Nina Simone: I Want a Little Sugar in my Bowl
Score: 82
Price: $5
Alc: 13%
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 
I don’t think it’s a good approach by Beringer to name their wine “Bold and Balanced”. It should be for the consumer to decide whether the wine is “bold” and/or “balanced” or not. It’s a poor marketing strategy in my opinion and your tasting notes confirm that given that you don’t describe the wine as “bold”.
Anyways, nice post 🙂
Cheers!
I bought 4 cases of this wine at a shade over #.00 a bottle and I challange anyone to find a better wind at anywhere htis price! I had wines that cost 4-5 times this and none come even close.
Correction, the price above shpould be $3.00 each.