Mission Codename Deck the halls
“Some of California’s most lusted-after wines” – The Drinks Business, 2022
Lust we do, and trust.
By now you might know we have a tight relationship with the “the First Lady of Wine” in Napa - Heidi Barrett and her awesome daughter Remi who manages La Sirena.
We’re always thrilled to share her wines with you, fellow collectors, and connoisseurs. Along with La Sirena, Paradigm and Amuse Bouche have all made appearances here over the years.
Today we have her ‘Studio Series’ Cabernet blend. This inaugural and now library vintage down to the very last few cases, costs a fair $150, but we trimmed it down to a staggering break for the day, don’t ask how.
Heidi started earning her street cred at Silver Oak, Franciscan, and Buehler Vineyards at the young age of 25. From there her career went into overdrive as she fashioned spectacular vintages of Screaming Eagle starting with the 1992 vintage, along with plenty of other smash hits at Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur, Kenzo, Paradigm and on, and on…
A Cabernet-dominant blend supported by Syrah, with dollops of Petite Sirah and Cab Franc. Each vintage of this newcomer to the lineup features a label painted by Heidi herself and this inaugural vintage shares the artwork with another artwork of hers of equal beauty, the 2016 Amuse Bouche red.
What’s it like? Let’s recite a tasting note straight from its creator: “gorgeous aromas of ripe fruit - black cherry, currants, and blackberry, with alluring hints of cedar and vanilla. It’s a rich, bold wine across the palate with explosive flavor bursts and textural appeal. Moderate tannins and good length enhance this concentrated, dense Cabernet-based blend. Harmonious blending creates a wine greater than the sum of its parts – complexity and elegance abound… Delicious and approachable upon release, we expect it will be an age-worthy addition to your cellar as well.”
…she wrote, over 2 years ago. What can we add to that today? It’s gotten silkier and smoother for sure, drinking like a lucid dream. Looks like it’s gonna be a chilly winter, make sure you’ll have enough of this heart-warmer to last, this crazy deal is our one shot at it.
92 Points – James Suckling
“Aromas of fresh and dried violets, blackcurrants, bark, vanilla and nutmeg. It’s full-bodied with a velvety, juicy texture and firm, ultra fine tannins. Layers of ripe black fruit and spices. Drink from 2022.”
What the Winery Says
2017 'Studio Series' Napa Valley Cabernet Blend
- Winemaker
- Heidi Peterson Barrett
- Varietals
- 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 2% Cab Franc
- Vintage
- 2017
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Total acidity
- 5.7 g/L
- pH
- 3.86
- Release date
- Sept 14, 2019
- Aging
- 22 months
- Barrels
- 44% new French oak