Amuse Bouche, Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
Heidi Barrett grew up in the Napa Valley in a winemaking family and was destined to become one of California's leading winemakers. It is said that winemaking is a combination of science and art. With a scientist-winemaker father and an artist mother it is no big surprise that Heidi was drawn to the wine industry. With great enthusiasm, a love for what she does, and an incredible wealth of experience, Heidi blends the art and science of winemaking like few can.

In 2002, Heidi partnered with longtime friend John Schwartz to create Amuse Bouche, a Pomerol-inspired Merlot from Napa Valley. Recognizing that the cult wine phenomenon has created an almost aspirational class structure among collectors, the partners decided to make this limited edition wine available to a much broader consumer base. Winemaker Heidi Barrett explains, "We have created Amuse Bouche, a limited edition, superb Pomerol style wine with the added value of limited edition art that is available to consumers through a variety of channels."

Grape / Blend
92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker Tasting Notes
It is with great honor and excitement that we offer you the 2021 vintage of Amuse Bouche, featuring artwork by renowned French artist Marc Clauzade. His piece entitled "Casse Croute" (which roughly translates to "tasty snack") portrays the beautiful chaos of a kitchen scene — its vibrant colors an apt illustration of Julia Child’s famous quote. You may remember that Marc's portrayal of the lady in the red dress, "Le Bar a Vin," adorned our label more than a decade ago.

The 2021 harvest was excellent, but our overall production was down 35% (smaller berries but loaded with flavor) due to the persistent drought conditions of this growing season. Amuse Bouche 2021, crafted in the Pomerol-style, is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc from our vineyards in the east Rutherford Hills of Napa Valley.

95 Points - James Suckling
Pretty nose with cherries, cassis, baking spices and some chocolate on the nose. It's medium- to full-bodied with plush tannins. Well-balanced with an intense core of juicy cherries, herbs and spices intermingling. Focused finish with excellent length

94 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Amuse Bouche is pliant, racy and super-expressive. Succulent red cherry, red plum, spice, blood orange and tobacco are all dialed up. This Merlot-based blend is a total charmer. Dollops of Cabernet Franc extend the finish.

Product size: 750ml