At a glance

Producer

Barefoot Wine

Region

California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Off-Dry

Typical price

$6-8 USD (750ml retail), low secondary market value

Tasting profile

Ripe, simple red and black berry fruit (cherry, raspberry, blackberry), with hints of sweet oak, vanilla, and soft spice; light body, smooth texture, short finish.

Evolution: Fruit flavors fade, any oak or vanilla tones become less pronounced; wine loses vibrancy and freshness, developing a flatter and more muted profile.

At peak: At peak, expect lively red and black berry notes, plush texture, and a candied, easy-drinking style with mild sweetness and minimal structure.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-low acidity, offering some freshness but not built for long aging.

Tannins

Soft, low tannin; fully resolved, minimal grip, designed for immediate consumption.

Alcohol

Moderate (approx. 13% ABV), well-integrated for style.

Aging potential

Best within 1-3 years of release; 4 years from vintage is maximum recommended.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2021 to 2023

Optimal window

2021 to 2024

Current status

Ready now

Current condition

At or just past peak for this style; fresh but fading primary fruit.

Peak drinking period is within 1-3 years of bottling because Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted for immediate enjoyment rather than age-worthiness. During this period, fruit is freshest and texture most appealing. Aging beyond this sees diminishing aromas and flavors, increased oxidation, and fading of the wine’s best qualities.

Food pairing

Pairs well with classic casual fare such as burgers, pizza with tomato sauce, BBQ chicken, meatloaf, mild cheddar cheese, or pasta with red sauce. As the wine ages and fruit fades, pairings with richer, fattier dishes diminish in harmony; best now with simple, flavorful but not overly robust foods.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 3/10

Conventional large-scale production; some efforts towards resource efficiency but not a leader in sustainability.

As a large-volume, entry-level producer, Barefoot focuses on affordable, accessible wines rather than sustainable or artisanal practices. Limited transparency regarding environmental or social sustainability initiatives.