Mission Codename Weak in the presence of beauty
It’s obvious how much we, and others love Heidi Barrett’s wines.
We aren’t alone. As Robert Parker calls her, “The First Lady of Wine” made Screaming Eagle what it is. But it was NOT the wine Heidi Barrett LOVED to make. This one is. The 2010 vintage of Eagle is trending north of $5,000 a bottle these days. This too is a 2010 red, from her OWN passion project.
A double-93-point collectible can be yours, today through Wine Spies, for just $53. 45% off!
Read on.
Last year we saw the mermaid 3 times. The ever-so-popular Pirate TreasuRed, the irresistible Rosato, and the charity-benefitting collectible Art Bus. All 3 came and went fast, as La Sirena never really skips a beat with overdelivering. The Barretts are a humble clan, and we remain deeply grateful to their patronage and generosity. Where else can you find these tremendous, collectible wines?? But in all honesty, we did not see a library exclusive like this coming…
“Drop-dead gorgeous” wrote Vinous, we could not agree more.
Hypnotizingly velvety even in appearance in a happy deep crimson place showing mild development. The nose screams “class” in all aspects, dried black fruits, crushed violets, cherry pit, porcini, with hints of black pepper, and eucalyptus sprinkled in there. With the first sip, you get transported to the Old World, while the mid-palate builds up to a firm core of fine tannins and a rush of blue and black berries with still so much freshness to offer that you end up right back in California, as the finish wraps it all up with a minute plus echoing of all the nose and palate offer along with touches of mineral and oak.
Only magicians like Heidi Barrett are capable of such remarkable complexity with age, no matter where in the world wines come from, they share a universality of profoundness. It would be sacrilegious not to pair this beauty with a delicately flavored while heartily prepared feast for the senses that would elevate both to new heights.
Barrettage is an homage to Hermitage, the revered benchmark region of the Rhône Valley. Like its French brothers and sisters, it’s complex and balanced as can be. With the extra Napa Valley sunshine of the picture-perfect 2010 harvest, it brings even more fruit, and structure into the picture. And good luck finding a comparable 2010 Hermitage even in the $50-100 range, think more like $500!
On that Wine Advocate rating and tasting note below. It’s from 2012. Accurate as it was back then, see that plus sign? It happened to be the most accurate part but think more like +++++! It has taken off to a peak that no critic’s wildest imagination can easily predict. Rating it today is a moot point. Seeing it here on Wine Spies is a dream come true. Act fast, there were a few cases plus a couple of loose bottles, not pallets of this bygone treasure… needless to say, we grabbed all.
Worth every penny, either at the full $95 asking it deserves, or via our secret giveaway deal today…
Hoping you leave some for us, but then again, we’ll forgive you for claiming it all. The race is ON.
93+ Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“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. The 2010 Le Barrettage is the most tannic and backward of the three I tasted from Heidi Barrett. Black olives, grilled herbs, menthol, tar and licorice all come alive in the glass. The 2010 stands out for its depth, textural richness and structure. Not a wine for the timid, it needs at least a few years to fully settle down. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”
93 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“Heidi Barrett’s wines are always juicy, flavorful and full of near-term appeal. The 2010 Le Barrettage is juicy, exuberant and drop-dead gorgeous. Black cherry, plum, licorice, menthol and sweet spices jump from the glass in an exuberant, fruit-driven Syrah loaded with personality. The 2010 is juicy, expressive and radiant throughout. Drink 2014-2024.”
What the Winery Says
2010 'Le Barrettage' Napa Valley Red
- Winemaker
- Heidi Peterson Barrett
- Vintage
- 2010
- Varietals
- 98.5% Syrah, 1.5% Petite Sirah
- Appellation
- Calistoga, Napa Valley
- Alcohol
- 14.6%
- Total acidity
- 6.3 g/L
- pH
- 3.78
- Harvest dates
- October 5-15, 2010
- Release date
- November 1, 2013
- Aging
- 22 months
- Barrels
- 45% new French oak
- Production
- 10 barrels