2003 Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Red Blend

As an epicurean, I particularly love the label on the 2003. A certain shyness in the aromatic profile belies some exuberant, enticing, complex flavors in this medium to full-bodied, lush, layered wine. The bouquet offers up hints of coffee beans, black currants, cherries, kirsch liqueur and spice. The wine is medium to full-bodied, lushly textured and opulent in the mouth, with no hard edges. The style of this 2003 suggests it was drinkable upon release, but it is aging gracefully. While not the biggest of the 2003s, it is an elegant, mid-weight effort to enjoy over the next decade. Heidi Barrett is the winemaker behind this distinctive blend that represents a Napa version of a Pomerol, being dominated by Merlot blended with a luscious amount of Cabernet Franc. Each label is the artwork of the well-known French artist Guy Buffet. Tel. (707) 251-9300