2015 Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Red Blend
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The 2015 Amuse Bouche is so impressive. Dark and ample on the palate, the 2015 possesses gorgeous textural presence right out of the gate. Lavender, mocha, espresso and dried herbs add layers of aromatic dimension over time. I underestimated this Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend from John Schwartz and Heidi Barrett. The 2015 has really filled out over the last handful of years.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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Composed of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Proprietary Red Blend Amuse Bouche is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with gorgeous scents of plum preserves, wild blueberries and blackberry pie with hints of cloves, star anise, Sichuan pepper, lilacs and rose hip tea. The palate is full-bodied, rich and captivating with an alluring frame of velvety tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and very spicy.
The 2015 Amuse Bouche is supple, juicy and inviting, with plenty of dark cherry and plum fruit pushed forward. Hints of tobacco, leather, chocolate and sweet spice add nuance to the dark fruit. In 2015, the Cabernet Franc is pushed up a bit higher than normal. Even so, the 2015 is delicate, restrained and very pretty.
The 2015 Merlot Amuse Bouche is a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc that’s from the eastern hills in Rutherford. It offers a charming, elegant style in its plum and black cherry fruit, and has plenty of scorched earth, licorice and dried herb/potpourri notes with time in the glass. Nicely concentrated, medium-bodied and with beautiful length, it's one of those wines that grows on you with time in the glass. Enjoy it anytime over the coming decade or more. 625 cases.