In my quest to discover for reliable table wines, I've been working my way through California winery Barefoot Wines' list. I've written about Barefoot Pinot Grigio, and Barefoot Pinot Noir.

Barefoot Wines Zinfandel 2007

The aroma of this Barefoot Wines Zinfandel is a bit like red currants, and while the red currants and blackberry are in the flavor too, this was less fruity and a bit dryer than other Zinfandels, something that I didn't expect at this price point ($9.00 for a 1.5 liter bottle). In the glass, this is a lovely crimson-violet in color. The spicy, full body you expect from a Zinfandel was there as well, in spades. This is I think my current front runner for a California Zinfandel table wine, replacing the Sutter Home Zinfandel, which is slightly sweeter, more vanilla than chocolate in undertones. Barefoot sourced the grapes for this Zinfandel in Lodi, California, and I suspect that has rather a lot to do with the way this wine tastes. I very much like the noticeably spicy character of Barefoot Wines Zinfandel; it's lovely with enchiladas or barbecue, but the flavor of this Zinfandel is intense so you need to balance its intensity with something that can stand up to it, and even be enhanced by the wine. I'm already thinking about the perfect Zinfandel and pizza pairing for this wine. It has me wanting to try the Dancing Bull California Zinfandel and especially Seven Deadly Zins and Ravenswood Old Vine Sonoma Zinfandels, both of which are sourced in Lodi, California, an area with a long, proud history of Zinfandel, and plenty of old vine Zinfandels. Woodbridge by Mondavi used to make an interesting California Zinfandel sourced from Lodi. I note that there's a Lodi Zinfest this year in May.

Barefoot Wines Merlot

I am really developing a fondness for Merlot. Particularly in the case of California wines, Merlot seems softer and less pointedly tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon. There have been a few Merlots that reminded me a bit of tea left to stew. This Barefoot Merlot was quite lovely, and yes, I know that it's more than a little likely that it's a blend. There's a hint of plum in the aroma and in the flavor but there's also that hint of slightly bitter chocolate, and a bit of tannin. There's enough of a nod towards chocolate that I wanted to try this Merlot with Lindt Excellence Sea-Salt chocolate, which has become my go-to chocolate for red wine, and yes, it's a good pairing. The Barefoot Merlot is not nearly as fruity as other California Merlots I've tried of late, more of a grown-up wine. I'd be quite happy to serve this to a casual dinner party with friends, and look forward to trying this Merlot with various sorts of charcoal-grilled beef.