2014 Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Red Blend

JS 95: With such beautiful definition and balance, this may be the best ever from Amuse. Medium to full body, a wonderful linear backbone, superb length and a lovely, fresh finish. Drink now. Mostly merlot.

AG94: The 2014 Amuse Bouche, the flagship Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is absolutely delicious. Dark cherry, mocha, spice and leather open up nicely in the glass. Fleshy, supple and radiant, with silky tannins underpinning the fruit, the 2014 has a lot to offer, even in the early going. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so.

THE WINE
Collectible wine and collectible art come together to create Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Merlot, a joint wine venture with Heidi Barrett and John Schwartz. This Pomerol-style Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend is made from some of the best grape sources in the Napa Valley. Amuse Bouche wine aspires to rival its greatest cross-Atlantic counterparts, such as Chateau Petrus and Chateau Le Pin.

The Amuse Bouche 2014 was harvested on September 18 and 22. It is a slightly different blend than its predecessors. From our vineyards in the eastern hills of Rutherford, the blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc makes this vintage a bit more robust on the palate, while retaining its acclaimed finesse and elegance. A mere 700 cases were produced.

THE WINEMAKER: HEIDI BARRETT
As winemaker for several of the hottest cult wines in California, and referred to by TIME magazine as “The Wine Diva of Napa”, Heidi Barrett is always looking for new challenges. Heidi explains, “We have created Amuse Bouche wine, 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.”

Heidi Barrett was the winemaker for Screaming Eagle until 2005, as well as the previous winemaker for Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Barbour Vineyards, Vineyard 29 and Showket. She is currently making wine for Paradigm, Lamborn, Kenzo Estate, Au Sommet, Vin Perdu and Fantesca, in addition to her own label, La Sirena.

THE ARTIST: EDMUND IAN GRANT
We commissioned critically-acclaimed, internationally-collected artist, Edmund Ian Grant, to create the painting for this vintage. “Kickin’ Out the Bouillabaisse” exuberantly reflects Grant’s distinctive style, vivid imagination, compelling storytelling and innovative use of color. During the past 30 years, Grant has exhibited in most major US cities as well as in Milan, London, Monte Carlo, Venice, and Paris at the Grand Palais. Most recently, he won the coveted Leonardo Award, the top honor for painting at the International Biennale of Chianciano 2015 held in Tuscany. Edmund’s work is often featured at prestigious art fairs, such as Art Basel, known for showcasing 20-21st century masters, the LA Art Show and Concept Miami.