Amuse Bouche Red Blend 2014
(Napa Valley, California) - [JS 95] [VM 94] [JD 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:

The Wine

The Amuse Bouche 2014 was harvested on September 18 and 22. It is a slightly different blend than its predecessors. From our vineyards in the eastern hills of Rutherford, the blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc makes this vintage a bit more robust on the palate, while retaining its acclaimed finesse and elegance. We produced 700 cases.

The Artist: Edmund Ian Grant

We commissioned critically-acclaimed, internationally-collected artist, Edmund Ian Grant, to create the painting for this vintage. "Kickin' Out the Bouillabaisse" exuberantly reflects Grant's distinctive style, vivid imagination, compelling storytelling and innovative use of color. During the past 30 years, Grant has exhibited in most major US cities as well as in Milan, London, Monte Carlo, Venice, and Paris at the Grand Palais. Most recently, he won the coveted Leonardo Award, the top honor for painting at the International Biennale of Chianciano 2015 held in Tuscany. Edmund's work is often featured at prestigious art fairs, such as Art Basel, known for showcasing 20-21st century masters, the LA Art Show and Concept Miami. To learn more about Edmund's work, please visit www.edmundiangrant.com.

95 Points - James Suckling:
"With such beautiful definition and balance, this may be the best ever from Amuse. Medium to full body, a wonderful linear backbone, superb length and a lovely, fresh finish. Drink now. Mostly merlot." - JS (Nov 2016)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2014 Amuse Bouche, the flagship Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is absolutely delicious. Dark cherry, mocha, spice and leather open up nicely in the glass. Fleshy, supple and radiant, with silky tannins underpinning the fruit, the 2014 has a lot to offer, even in the early going. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so. (Drink between 2017-2026)" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2016)

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:

"The 2014 Merlot Amuse Bouche (there’s 8% Cabernet Franc) is the Pomerol look alike in the portfolio and it's a ripe, sexy, elegant beauty loaded with notions of plums, blueberries, brambly spice and hints of leafy herbs/tobacco. Ripe, rounded and undeniably sexy on the palate, with sweet tannin, it's already hard to resist, yet should keep for 10-15 years. (Drink between 2018-2033)" - JD (Dec 2017)