Superstar winemaker/swashbuckler Heidi Barrett (Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Kenzo, Amuse Bouche, and many more) is the original Queen of Cult Cabernet. She makes some absolutely thrilling, elegant, and ultra-polished wines under her very own La Sirena label. But this must be one of the most fun yet dead-serious and downright delicious ones she makes anywhere, period.

We aren’t alone in thinking that. Robert Parker said: “Pirate TreasuRed is one of my favorite wines from Barrett… I always enjoy tasting the wines Heidi Barrett makes under her La Sirena label. At their best, the wines have a whimsical, child-like exuberance that is impossible to miss.”

If you like kitchen sink or “jungle” blends like the Prisoner or other similarly modern styled blends you’re in for a serious treat.

Actually, scratch that.

This stuff makes Prisoner look rather, well, pedestrian. Heidi combines many varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Sirah - into one raucous tour de force of a wine.

This delivers a THUNDERCLAP of flavor. The squat 750ml bottle contains a heaping basket of blueberry and smashed black cherry pie, pie crust and all, with some cassis and licorice, and all manners of dense, mouth-coating fruit, leather, and spice. It certainly has a judicious oak influence, but it’s all balanced with the firm tannins and expansive fruit and never seems overly heavy. Just a straight-up sexy fruit-bomby crowd-pleaser you can’t help but love.

When we last offered the 2015 it sold out real fast. We didn’t get any 2016. And this, for sure is the last we’ll get of this vintage…

92 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2017 Pirate TreasuRed is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next few years. Bright floral notes and red-fleshed fruit lend energy and vibrancy to this mid-weight red blend from Heidi Barrett. Drink 2021-2027.”

92 Points – James Suckling

“This red has ripe, fruity character with notes of dried herbs and roasted meat. Touch of wet earth, too. Full-bodied with rich fruit, yet juicy and easy to drink. Fine, polished tannins and bright acidity with a long, fruity finish. Big and attractive. Drink or hold.”