Heidi Barrett. 93 points. 40% off.

“Art Bus Red is another seductive, totally polished wine from La Sirena and Heidi Barrett.” says Robert Parker

Need more motivation?

You know Heidi Barrett from her Screaming Eagle fame, no doubt. Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who scored her Amuse Bouche “Vin Perdu” or La Sirena “Treasured” when we offered them last year. If so, you can exit here and plug this into your locker with confidence.

Heidi Peterson Barrett earned her street cred at Silver Oak and Franciscan, before becoming winemaker for Buehler Vineyards at the tender age 25. From there her career went into overdrive as she fashioned many spectacular vintages of Screaming Eagle along with plenty of other smash hits at Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur, Kenzo, and Paradigm.

But she treats her La Sirena label as her baby. And if you asked what one of her favorite wines to make is, she’d say “ART BUS”. This is only the 4th vintage ever made (‘08, ‘09 and ‘12 being the previous ones). Heidi brings together a blend of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc to make what she describes as “very mouth-coating and rich, with explosive flavors. I love the silky yet powerful impact and chewy texture of this wine – it definitely has a wow factor!”

Oh yes, straight up HUGE yum factor here. A haunting garnet engulfs the inside of the glass, dimming gradually to a near black ruby core. The nose is complex, rich, and forward with red cherries, damson plum, and blueberry pie, melted dark chocolate, a dusting of espresso, with hints of cigar box and kalamata olives. It’s refined and polished, with a terrific mouthfeel and vibrant acidity too. The finish is seamless and bewilderingly soft while deep and long, in a style that makes Heidi the legend she is. And in a prime drinking window for the next decade or so.

For the photo, we took the Art Bus for a spin and rode it to a local art studio! Art Forms is a gem in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, where that lovely metal fish in the background resides, and a not-to-miss stop on your next visit. By the way, La Sirena donates 15% of all the Art Bus proceeds to Heifer International, a favorite charity organization of Heidi’s, so it’s such a win-win-win wine!

Anyhow, by now when you see the name “Heidi Barrett” on any wine it should trigger an automatic buy. – especially at 40% off. Exclusively at Wine Spies for today, and today only. Treat yourself!

93 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Heidi Barrett excels with delicious, fun wines that always have an air of whimsical playfulness to them. The La Sirena wines are forward, fruit-driven and meant for near to medium-term drinking. The 2014 Art Bus is another super-expressive wine from Heidi Barrett. Mocha, spice, and floral notes add an attractive upper register to a core of pliant dark red plum fruit. Exquisitely layered and harmonious, the 2014 is absolutely irresistible today. It should drink well for another decade or so. Drink 2018-2028.”