OK folks here is my latest wine review. Today we will review a Merlot by Barefoot (E&J Gallo). The label is actually owned by E&J Gallo label (http://barefootwine.com/our-wines/red-wines/merlot) which is the largest family owned winery in the United States. The label was created in 1965 by Davis Bynum when he made a wine called Bynum Burgandy, however (as the website says) ".... our spirited ways really began with our founders, Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey". Barefoot Sellers itself was actually started in 1986 by Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey who their website says "took a sleepy label and gave it sole". In 2005 the label joined with E. & J. Gallo winery. They also market under the label Impression® Red Blend. It is marketed as a middle class or "average Joe" wine. The website is focused on fun, excitement & good times. The label is geared toward the "Barbeque by the pool crowd".
There is no year listed on the bottle of Barefoot Merlot however the bottle does say that it won a Double Gold Medal at the 2007 International Eastern Wine Competition. For starters the initial taste is of black cherry that is also how it finishes. There are slight Tannins in the wine I sensed a slightly watery end along with the Black Cherry although it is not terrible and believe it or not does not detract form the wine. There is also the heavy impact of Oak you can taste its influence in the wine. I believe that the wine is marketed at the proper price point and to the proper consumer judging by it;s website. The wine does open up and I suggest Decanting for a half hour to 45 minutes. This does develop the wine into a decent wine actually, especially for 5-6 dollars. If you are in a hurry you will not get the true taste of the wine (yes it does matter). This should also you enough time for you change yourself and the kids into bathing suits and to grab the suntan lotion and towel.
OK here is he bottom line. The wine is marketed perfectly. Excitement, being lazy around the pool with friends (do not try to impress them). The price point is correct and the taste is in line with its marketed consumer. The wine is a decent wine for a good time on a fun day. It is however, not for serious wine drinking nor is it meant for serious wine drinking. This does not mean that I don't recommend the wine, I actually do. I simply believe that like our favorite wines it has it's time and place. Here is the last word. On a sunny day get to the pool or park for a picnic and bring a couple of bottles along with you. The friends who are use to drinking a cheap wine that never develops will love the wine and you.
The Desert Wine Guy
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