Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Red 2016

Introduction

Twenty years ago, Jim Laube of the Wine Spectator asked Heidi where their vineyard holdings for Amuse Bouche Winery were located. Heidi replied, “I would have to kill you if I told you!” A long silence ensued at our lunch table. This slightly awkward, tongue-in-cheek moment from their wine history is the inspiration for their Vintage 2016 artwork. Heidi Barrett herself painted “A Secret Vineyard,” a lovely image that perhaps may give further guidance to Mr. Laube. Heidi has been painting as long as she has been making wine, and they are thrilled to showcase both of her amazing talents in and on the bottle with their Amuse Bouche 2016. The lithographs are gorgeous, expertly produced on Rives paper by our Paris atelier using a 19th- century press. Each one is hand signed and numbered by Heidi herself.

95 Points Robert Parker … A blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, the medium garnet-purple coloured 2016 Proprietary Red Blend Amuse Bouche sings of crushed red and black plums, black cherry compote, Ceylon tea, liquorice and Indian spices with a waft of potpourri. The palate is medium to full-bodied, exquisitely elegant with firm yet satiny tannins, refreshing, perfumed, spicy and very long with savoury notions coming through.