Product Overview
Winery's Notes
"The 2023 vintage in Napa Valley is considered to be one of the best in our region's history, and the art which adorns this release reflects that quality. The 2023 growing season was long and mild, with above-average rainfall in winter and spring. The grapes ripened slowly, allowing them to fully develop their rich tannins and flavors. We harvested in mid and late October. Freshness, purity and elegance will be the hallmarks of this phenomenal year.
We are excited to announce the release of the Amuse Bouche 2023, featuring original artwork by Jennifer Garant, entitled "Days of Wine and Roses."
Amuse Bouche 2023, crafted in the Pomerol-style, is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc from our vineyards in the east Rutherford Hills in Napa Valley. I was recently tasting in Pomerol, furthering my olfactory education as we constantly strive to imbue our right-bank style wine with the terroir-driven depth and fleshy flavors that distinguish Amuse Bouche from most Merlot wines produced in California."
Varietal Composition: 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
Winemaker: Heidi Peterson Barrett
96 Points - James Suckling
"Sleek, delicious, well-balanced and drinkable, yet nicely structured with good fruit acidity and moderate tannins. So linear, fresh and lively, yet silky in texture. Light cherries and cream at first, then black cherries and blackcurrants as you sip. 92% merlot and 8% cabernet franc. A beautiful, composed and complete wine since the first vintage in 2002. Drink or hold." -JG, Aug/2025
95 Points - The Wine Palate
"The 2023 Amuse Bouche is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it swans out of the glass with notes of juicy black plums, green coffee beans, and ripe black cherries, plus nuances of fragrant soil and bay leaves. The full-bodied palate is velvety-textured and refreshing with juicy black-fruit flavors and a savory lift on the finish." -LPB, Feb/2026
94 Points - Wine Advocate
"A blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley's eastern hills, Amuse Bouche's 2023 Red Wine continues the line of top-flight Merlots under this Heidi Barrett-made label. Gentle herbal-floral nuances add complexity to the ripe cherries on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is plush and silky and finishes long and a bit tart, giving it a great sense of liveliness and freshness." -JC, 10/2/25
94 Points - Vinous
"The 2023 Amuse Bouche is elegant, restrained, and super expressive. Dark red/purplish-toned fruit, spice, mocha and lavender all grace this wonderfully open-knit, seductive wine. Understated and reserved, the 2023 impresses with its sneaky persistence and long, refined finish. I have seen this wine blossom with time in bottle, and I expect that will be the case here as well." -AG, Nov/2025
