“Hop on the bus, Gus You don’t need to discuss much”

No discussions needed here!! Just get as much of this 96 POINT smash hit from the Queen of Napa winemakers, the “First Lady of Wine” and all-around Wine Spies bestie Heidi Barrett.

Especially because you won’t find La Sirena at this price ANYWHERE else. But you already knew that if you’re reading this.

We’re always thrilled to share her wines. La Sirena, Paradigm and Amuse Bouche have all made appearances here over the years.

And today we’re walking around with our chests puffed out because we got yet another SUPER FIRE La Sirena offering - her “Art Bus” Red!! Only made in exceptional vintages, we brought you the 2014 a year ago and today we’re back with the 2016. At WELL UNDER the $120 release price, this is, as James Suckling writes, “Deliciously concentrated,” and with a 96 point score, you need to hop on the bus.

“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. Those people already exited this email and plugged a few of these into their Lockers.

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 5th vintage ever made (‘08, ‘09 and ‘12 and ‘14 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!”

Fabulously complex is how we describe this bottle. 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 cherry cobbler, damson plum, and blueberry pie, melted dark chocolate, a dusting of espresso, with hints of cigar box, truffles, and kalamata olives hanging around back. 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.

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, wine wine!

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

96 points - James Suckling

“…A savory nose with lots of smoked meat, dried porcini mushrooms and oyster sauce. Black plums and dried thyme, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, sleek yet rounded tannins. Deliciously concentrated layers of black fruit and umami flavors. Even more fantastic after 2022.”