2006 Amuse Bouche – Merlot

Paul and I recently enjoyed the 2006 Amuse Bouche with our wives on a night out in Houston and it was spectacular. The name Amuse Bouche is a French noun meaning “amusement for the mouth”, and that it is . Each vintage is quite literally, a work of art. The 2006 bottle artwork was created by Louisiana artist George Rodrigue, best known for his famous loup-garou or Blue Dog. This Pomerol-style Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend is made from some of the best grape sources in the Napa Valley. The winemaker is Heidi Barrett who Robert Parker has called “the first lady of wine.” If you have ever had a wine made by Heidi Barrett, you know that they always display impeccable balance. This web site has posted many wines made by Heidi as we are a big fan of her’s.

Vintage: 2006

Proprietor: Amuse Bouche

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Napa Valley, CA

Notes: About 500 cases produced.

Tasting: Blueberry, plum, cherry, dewberry, cassis, pepper, followed by Spanish cedar, chocolate cocoa powder, lavender, violets, leather, tobacco, baking spices, mushroom, hazelnut, star anise, sage, and a hint of vanilla. The 2006 Amuse Bouche is drinking incredibly well at this time with little coaxing or time needed to show it’s hedonistic personality, all it needs is a fine stem and some great company to share it with. The wine shows great length and impeccable balance. This vintage scored well by recognised wine critics, but not near what I think it deserves, but of course their ratings were completed quite some time ago.

Rating: PC 96, JH 97