…AND BAREFOOT SERVANTS TOO

Our RNDC/Kentucky rep David came by with Austin from Barefoot wines. I am always apprehensive with the less-expensive wine brands because after so many years in this biz, I have unfortunately become a bit jaded and snobbish – like Jack Black’s character in “High Fidelity”. The wines were surprisingly good:

Barefoot Pinot Grigio California NV. Grade=Average. A bit spritzy with some nice citrus and stone fruit character. Ice it up and drink it down.

Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc California NV. Grade=Average+. Varietally correct with nice lemon/lime notes and a touch of jalapeño pepper. Would make for a great porch pounding quaff.

Barefoot Chardonnay California NV. Grade=Average. A nice, balanced Chard with apple, pear and creamy oak notes.

Barefoot Riesling California NV. Grade=Average. Semi-dry, with white peaches and some nice acidity on the finish.

Barefoot Moscato California NV. Grade=Average+. Peaches, apricots and orange blossoms – it’s a floral fruit salad in a glass. Not overtly sweet either.

Barefoot Pinot Noir California NV. Grade=Outstanding. A big surprise here – this is one you thought sure Barefoot would blunder, but they deliver a varietally-correct, light-bodied Pinot Noir that is fruity, balanced and dry.

Barefoot Merlot California NV. Grade=Average. Very simple, easy-to-drink Merlot that has nice fruit aromas and flavors, and a soft, pleasing finish.

Barefoot Shiraz California NV. Grade=Average. Mundane, rudimentary red with splashes of raspberry jam. Easy on the palate, great for a party.

Barefoot Zinfandel Lodi NV. Grade=Outstanding. Another big surprise, this Zin has some zesty, spicy black fruit and black pepper notes. Finishes out smooth and easy.

Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon California NV. Grade=Average. Not bad at all, this is a soft, approachable Cab with some nice blackberry tones and hints of baking spice.

Barefoot White Zinfandel California NV. Grade=Average. I had to go there right? But actually, this is not strawberry-Kool-Aid-liqueur like most White Zins, this has some nice balance and finishes fairly refreshing. But White Zin is still White Zin (some snobbery I just can’t let go of).