It's good to see that some of the wine-making companies are trying to hold the prices on their wines instead of allowing them to escalate as has become the current industry practice. Robert Mondavi's Woodbridge and Barefoot Cellars brands are still producing wines that offer reasonable quality at affordable prices.
We say reasonable quality because that is just what they are. Both wineries have a reputation to uphold and will not put out a mediocre product that bears their name.
Most specifically is the Robert Mondavi Woodbridge series. The same Robert Mondavi name that also appears on wines that sell for more than $100 is carried by the Woodbridge series, and any product that carries that name had better be worth more than its price tag.
On the other hand, Barefoot is known for producing good wines at affordable prices. Any "off" product would dissuade prospective customers and severely damage their goal of quality at an affordable price.
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($7.99)This wine is typical of a California sauvignon blanc, by straying away from the grassy aroma often associated with the foreign versions of the variety.
The aroma of this wine stresses melon and grapefruit, which is a characteristic property of the sauvignon blanc grape. In the flavor department, there is plenty of grapefruit, lemon and lime to entertain the palate while maintaining a slight fruit sweetness.
Have fun with this wine and serve it as an aperitif or with any seafood, cheese or vegetarian dish.
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2012 Pinot Grigio ($7.99)This wine is alive with the aromas of pear, melon, flowers, cinnamon and nutmeg. Its aromas carry over to the flavor and linger in the mouth long after the wine has been finished.
The Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2012 Pinot Grigio is an excellent wine that can accompany a wide variety of foods, but it is a standout with shrimp or mild cheese-based dishes.
Do not, under any circumstances, miss this wine; it’s just too good to let pass.
Barefoot Pinot Noir ($6.99)The Barefoot Pinot Noir is another home run for the Barefoot Cellars winemakers. We consider it to to be an excellent wine for the money.
The first thing apparent in this wine is its dark color, a feature which is not often found in pinot noirs selling for under $18. The deep ruby color heralds aromas of tart cherries and raspberries with a suggestion of black pepper.
On the palate, the cherries follow through but the traditional raspberry flavor gives way to cranberries and oak. The aftertaste is exceptionally fruity and multilayered.
Barefoot Zinfandel ($6.99)Zinfandel can truly be considered the everyday red table wine of the United States. This offering from Barefoot displays all of the brightness and character that has made this variety so popular.
It is a dry wine, but the profusion of fresh fruit and berry flavors make it seem a good bit sweeter than it really is. The aroma and flavor are resplendent with fresh berries and plums, along with an undertone of sweet oak.
This wine best accompanies any barbecue, full-flavored meats or spicy foods.
Barefoot California Sauvignon Blanc ($6.99) While this wine is a true Californian, it hints of its European ancestry by exhibiting a haunting flinty character rarely found in other sauvignon blanc wines from the state.
The rest of the flavors and aromas are pure California, stressing melon and lemon and the slightest hint of oak. This is a really fine wine for just sipping, but it also does a great job of accompanying shellfish, seafood, salads and chicken.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and helps manage ArticlesOnWine.com with his wife, Sheila. He can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.
