Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Merlot, by Heidi Barrett
Amuse Bouche Wine Home Pageabout the Amuse Bouche Wineabout Heidi BarrettOrder Amuse Bouche WineReviews and Press for Amuse BoucheContact Us

2006 Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Merlot wine with label artwork by George Rodrigue

Noun - French; "Amusement for the mouth," tantalized by food or wine.

Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Merlot

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.

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."

Merging art with our wines was something of a philosophical decision. The former can be enjoyed indefinitely, enduring for many lifetimes. Wine collectors may revel in the subtleties of a vertical collection; but in the end, 'fine wine is the only true art that must be destroyed in order to be fully appreciated.' We strive to offer you the pleasures of both art forms.




Having followed California Merlot for thirty years, I was absolutely mesmerized by this one. Unquestionably, it is the finest Merlot made here in terms of finesse, charm, complexity, texture and whatever else one looks for in a fine Pomerol.

- Norm Roby, Decanter Magazine (03/05)

"The birth of a cult...It's the essence of merlot: fleshy, explosive and lush with huge plum and blackberry fruit balanced on a pure stream of searing acidity."

- Anthony Dias Blue, Food and Wine Commentator

"Dark in color, with wonderful perfumed cassis, currant and black cherry fruit that's openly aromatic. The flavors are rich and polished..."

- Wine Spectator, 93 points 2003 Vintage (07/05)