by Fred McMillin for January 21, 1997	Welcome to WineDay, the electronic Gourmet Guide's daily update. Monday through Thursday, WineDay presents a wine profile. Then on Fridays we present the Winery of the Week to take you through the weekend Current WineDay 01/20/97 1994 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Limited Edition 01/17/97 Winery of the Week: Beaulieu 01/16/97 1993 Private Reserve Petite Sirah 01/15/97 1995 Chardonnay, Central Coast 01/14/97 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon 01/13/97 1995 Proprietor's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
A Barefoot Bargain "Get barefoot and have a great time." That's the motto of Bonded Winery #5626 in the Napa valley. It's called Barefoot Cellars and is noted for big bargains. Founded in 1986, the winery produced its first Sauvignon Blanc that year, with much success in the low price range. Today it's still under $5, but is the wine any good? To find out I slipped a bottle of the latest release into my last blind tasting; all the competition was more expensive. The wine is light, refreshing but with plenty of flavor. My tasters liked it better with their charcoal-grilled scallops than any of the more pricy whites. We decided they should change their motto to "Get barefoot and you'll get a great buy." Non-vintage "Barefoot Blanc" (Sauvignon Blanc), Apln.-California Barefoot Cellars St. Helena, Napa valley, CA $4.90 Recommended in its price range. Postscript Yes, you are right. The winery's more elegant name is "Chateau La Foot." About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College and is Northern California Editor for American Wine on the Web. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers.
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