4Bears Wines: Not your average Critter Wine

I get quite a bit of bargain wines as samples, and most of it never gets a mention, I admit. I got some samples from  Sean Minor Wines and as it's marketed as a family operation, I wanted to make sure I gave them a try. The name is 4Bears, representing Sean and his wife Nicole's four children, though the wines are also going to be marketed with the Sean Minor Wines packaging in the future. Not a picture of a bear anywhere on the labels, though!  The two that piqued my interest were the 2006 4Bears Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc and the 2006 Sean Minor Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2006 4Bears Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc has classic grapefruit and lime peel notes in the nose and a long citrus-tinged finish. It's a pretty simple quaff, but has a pretty full mouth feel and a nicely balanced level of neutral oak. The balance of the oak and the way that sits back in the mix makes it a standout from the usual fare in a $14.00 bottle of SB.

I like the  2006 Sean Minor Wines 4Bears Napa Cabernet Sauvignon for different reasons. While the nose is that of a very ripe Cab with perhaps overly-juicy overtones, the wine has been balanced with some good tannins and a not-too heavy hand with the oak. It is very tough to find a $17.00 Cab that is good for much more than weekday burger fare and this one you'll find yourself drinking throughout the evening with enjoyment. Simple but tasty fare.

Comments

[The Blog Wine Cellar]

Thanks for the advice on the critter value play! You never know with the critters but It's nice to get a savvy review so I can find a good drinking one for under $20. Love your wine blog and I linked you up on mine! Cheers