2008 Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Red Blend

Sweet, super-ripe red berries, mint and flowers all meld together in the 2008 Amuse Bouche. This is an especially high-toned, silky wine. There is considerable richness in the glass, but at the same time the alcohol is also a bit present at times. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Proprietor John Schwartz believes California is capable of making Merlots that can stand toe to toe with the best of France, so he is setting out to prove that point with the help of winemaker Heidi Barrett. Amuse Bouche is the main label. Vin Perdu is the second wine of Amuse Bouche, but the blend varies considerably from year to year, which naturally results in wines that are quite different from each other across several vintages. Tel. (707) 251-9300; www.amusebouchewine.com