New Release: 2019 Pirate TreasuRed
A new wine is available now: 2019 Pirate TreasuRed! One of our most popular (and most fun) wines is back with a swashbuckling new release that will knock your salty sea-dog socks off. This blend of 7 bold red varietals is the true treasure of the 7 seas - rich, balanced, and simply delicious. Available by the bottle, in a specially priced 6-bottle bundle, or 1.5L magnum signed by the mermaid queen herself!
A bold, well-rounded blend of 7 red varietals - Syrah, Cab Sauv, Grenache, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. This intriguing blend is truly yummy and fun to drink, perfect for pairing with a variety of full-flavored food or bringing a swashbuckling spirit to any party or gathering.
From Heidi's tasting notes:
"...very dark ruby in color with deep, ripe aromas of primarily black fruits – black cherry and wild blackberry, with nuances of vanilla, fruitcake, mocha, and a touch of savory smoked meat. Nicely layered fruit flavors with a plush, textural mouthfeel and good length... The overall impression is a big, voluptuous-yet-balanced mouthful of delicious flavors..."
Recipe pairing suggestion: Try these succulent 7-Spice Ribs, specially created to pair with Pirate TreasuRed.
Bottle shot - Magnum photo - Tech sheet
Feb 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM
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New Recipe Pairing: 2022 Moscato Azul with Thai Green Curry Soup
The fourth in our recipe pairing series by Chef Christina Machamer, this easy Thai Green Curry Soup is cozy, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying - and paired with our 2022 Moscato Azul, the perfumed tropical + floral flavors of the wine burst out in a delightful and unexpected combination.
Easy thai green curry soup
pair with 2022 la sirena moscato azul
As the weather grows crisp and we sail into a new year, I find myself craving something warm,
healthy, and easy, while I dream of a summer to come. With notes of ginger and lemon grass and
the silky feel of coconut milk, this versatile soup is the perfect match for the Moscato Azul. The
bright acid structure of the wine cuts through the richness of the soup, while its palette of graceful
tropical flowers allows the complexity of the green curry to flourish. Notes of ripe melon in the
wine wash away the lingering curry spice leaving you refreshed and ready for more.
NOTE: I love the flavor of fresh green curry paste, but the ingredients (and the time) can be hard
to find. For this recipe we are using Mekhala curry paste, but any favorite brand will work. Feel free
to indulge on this recipe by using your favorite protein and veggies to create your personalized
version. (Remi suggests thinly sliced red onions and sliced button mushrooms!)
Serves 4 as a main course
INGREDIENTS
1T Sesame Oil
1T Olive Oil
6ea Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
tt Diamond Crystals Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper
2oz Mekhala Green Curry Paste
2t Grated Fresh Ginger
2t Finely Chopped Lemon Grass
1ea 13.5 fl oz can Coconut Milk
.25c Carrots, Blanched and cut into bite sizes pieces
.5c Broccoli, Blanched and cut into bite sizes pieces
.25c Snap Peas, Blanched and cut into bite sizes pieces
1T Fresh Lime Juice
.25c Cilantro, Rough Chopped
METHOD
1. Heat a large straight walled sauté pan or sauce pot over medium high heat, then add sesame
and olive oil. Add chicken thighs, season, and sauté until fully cooked, approximately 5-7
minutes.
2. Add curry paste, ginger, and lemon grass then continue to sauté until aromatic, 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in coconut milk and bring to a gentle boil. Add carrots, broccoli, snap peas, cilantro,
lime juice, and adjust seasoning if desired.
Recipe and photo © Christina Machamer - do not copy or reproduce without permission.
Downloadable/printable recipe card
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Jan 12, 2024 at 9:42 AM
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Library Release: Barrett & Barrett Vertical Collection
For the first time, every vintage of Barrett & Barrett Cab is brought together in this stunning 12-vintage Vertical Collection - 1 bottle of each vintage from 2008-2019 + folio of updated tasting notes.
Barrett & Barrett is a handcrafted, small production Calistoga Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the two complementary winemaking styles of husband/wife team Bo & Heidi Barrett. Bo’s expertise is in Calistoga appellation wines that highlight distinct vineyards, while Heidi excels at creating perfectly balanced, layered Cabs with an elegant, artistic style. Bringing their talent and decades of expertise together into one wine, from one place - this is Barrett & Barrett.
With power and elegance, ripeness and finesse, these wines will be a noteworthy asset in your cellar for many years to come. This collection of every vintage represents the full story of Barrett & Barrett so far, and we're thrilled to share it with you!
Purchase - More info about Barrett & Barrett
Nov 13, 2023 at 1:39 PM
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New Recipe Pairing: 2019 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon
The third in our recipe pairing series by Chef Christina Machamer - these wild boar shanks are tender, hearty and have amazing depth of flavor - perfect for pairing with our La Sirena Cab! For best results, make them a day ahead and allow plenty of time for cooking.
Cabernet Braised Wild Boar Shank
Pair with 2019 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon
NOTE: Wild boar can be sourced here. Bone in beef short ribs can also be substituted for this recipe. Both wild boar shank and beef short ribs are best when refrigerated for a day or 2 after cooking, so that the flavors have time to fully integrate.
Ingredients
2ea bone-in wild boar shank (see note)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3T Canola oil
1 Large onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3T flour
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (we like San Marzano brand)
2T tomato paste
375 ml (1/2 bottle) dry red wine (preferably Cabernet Sauvignon)
10 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
8 sprigs thyme
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
4C Chicken Stock
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Season boar shanks with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown boar shank on all sides,
approximately 8 minutes total. Transfer boar shank to a plate.
3. Pour off all but 3 Tbsp. drippings from pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery to pot and cook
over medium-high heat, stirring often, until onions are browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add flour and tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until well combined and deep red, 2-3
minutes.
5. Stir in wine and reduce the volume by half, add crushed tomatoes. Add boar shank with any
accumulated juices.
6. Add all herbs to pot along with garlic. Stir in stock. Bring to a boil, cover, and transfer to
oven.
7. Cook until boar shanks are tender, 2–2½ hours. For best results, allow to come to room
temperature and store in refrigerator overnight. Transfer shanks to a platter. Spoon fat from
surface of sauce and discard; season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Strain sauce from
pot into a measuring cup. Serve in shallow bowls over your favorite puree and roasted
fall/winter veggies with sauce spooned over.
Recipe and photo © Christina Machamer - do not copy or reproduce without permission.
Downloadable/printable recipe card
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Oct 25, 2023 at 4:35 PM
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New Releases: 2021 Chardonnay & 2020 Aviatrix Cab
Two new wines are available now: 2021 La Sirena Chardonnay & 2020 Aviatrix Cabernet Sauvignon. Our Chardonnay is a bright, elegant, and complex expression of the grape that is food friendly and simply delicious. The brand-new Aviatrix Cabernet Sauvignon is totally different than any Cab we've made before - with fruit from Santa Barbara's Happy Canyon region, it's juicy and fruit-forward, lighter in style yet still quite full-bodied. We hope you love these as much as we do!
2021 La Sirena Chardonnay - Tasting Notes: "Brilliant light golden straw in color with gorgeous fruit aromas of crisp pear, pineapple, delicate melon, a whiff of green apple and citrus, with nice minerality and complementary notes of caramel, beeswax, and a kiss of vanilla. A very light touch of of toasty French oak enhances the aromatics and fruit flavors across the palate. The mouthfeel, texture and flavor profile is just delicious, with nicely balanced acidity and richness that lingers in an extraordinary finish."
Sourced from the original 1969 planting of the Rued clone of Chardonnay, known for its somewhat tropical aromatics (some even refer to it as the Muscat clone of Chardonnay), and blended with fruit from the Bacigalupi Paris Block, one of the sources for the Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay that won the Paris Tasting. 225 cases produced
Purchase - Tech sheet - Bottle shot
2020 Aviatrix Cabernet Sauvignon - Tasting Notes: "Deep ruby in color, this Cab opens with strong juicy fruit aromas of wild berry, black cherry juice, and ripe black plums, with lovely vanilla notes and a touch of pink peppercorn... It’s full-bodied in flavor and power, but has soft, streamlined tannin and a silky, light feel on the palate, very atypical for a Cab Sauv. An intriguing, evolving finish will give you lots to think about as you savor this deliciously unusual expression of Cab."
93% Cab Sauv from Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA + 5% Petite Sirah + 2% Cab Franc - 190 cases produced
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Oct 6, 2023 at 2:41 PM
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New Recipe Pairing: 2018 Pirate TreasuRed
The second in our recipe pairing series by Chef Christina Machamer - these ribs are bursting with complex, inviting flavor, and perfect for pairing with our Pirate TreasuRed! For best results, make them a day ahead and allow plenty of time for slow cooking.
7-Spice Baby Back Ribs
Pair with 2018 La Sirena Pirate TreasuRed
Summer (into early Fall) is BBQ season, and there is nothing better than the melding of smokey and sweet flavors and a wine with the complexity to match. Pirate TreasuRed, a symphony of seven varietals, sings with this 7-Spice rub paired with “fall off the bone” ribs. The recipe below is for one rack of ribs, but I recommend making a large batch, so you always have some on hand. Ribs can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to two months, so you can enjoy their richness all summer long and beyond!
7-SPICE RIB RUB
.25C Brown Sugar
2t Smoked Paprika
1t Garlic Powder
1t Onion Powder
3t Ground Mustard
1t Garlic Salt
1t Celery Salt
.25t Cayenne
To taste - Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 265 degrees.
2. Remove Baby Back ribs from packaging and pat dry with a paper towel. Generously rub both
sides with 7-Spice rub and season to taste with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
3. Wrap the ribs - you can use just foil, or if you want to try a method chefs love, tightly wrap ribs in plastic wrap then aluminum foil. Don’t worry, plastic will not melt at this low oven temperature and will allow ribs to oven-braise in their own juices! But if it makes you uneasy to put plastic in the oven, feel free to use parchment paper and then foil, or just foil.
4. Place ribs on a baking sheet in a single layer, bone-side down. Bake in oven for 5 hours or until
ribs are very tender.
5. Remove ribs from oven and allow to come to room temperature before refrigerating overnight.
This allows the fat and juices to congeal and makes them easier to handle and portion.
6. Unwrap ribs and remove any congealed fat and juices. Portion into 2-3 rib segments and lather
with your favorite BBQ sauce. Re-heat ribs by grilling on both sides until warm throughout or in a
350 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes.
Recipe and photo © Christina Machamer - do not copy or reproduce without permission.
Downloadable/printable recipe card
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Sep 17, 2023 at 8:50 PM
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New Release: 2020 Aviatrix Grenache
Our new 2020 Aviatrix Grenache is available now - A wonderful light-medium weight red that is quite versatile with food pairings, and can be served at room temp or even slightly chilled to enjoy during the late summer heat. We hope you love it as much as we do!
2020 Aviatrix Grenache - Grenache has been our signature wine for Aviatrix since the brand launched in 2016. We have produced Grenache from a variety of different vineyard sites over the years, always searching for the best quality fruit while still keeping our elegant, light-medium weight style in mind. In 2020, Santa Ynez was one of the only areas in California that was not affected by smoke taint from the wildfires that year – we were thrilled to get this beautiful fruit and be able to produce a 2020 vintage of Aviatrix Grenache.
From Heidi's Tasting Notes: "Light ruby in color, this Grenache opens with bright aromas of cherry, cranberry, and red plums, with nuances of cedar and a touch of sweet tobacco leaf. On the palate, it’s energetic, lush and juicy, bursting with flavor that hints at Campari and cherry tart. With silky texture, nice balance and good length, Aviatrix Grenache is versatile and easy to love..."
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Find more at Aviatrix-wine.com!
Aug 3, 2023 at 9:00 AM
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New Recipe Pairing: 2022 Rosato
The first in our new recipe pairing series created by Chef Christina Machamer - this colorful and flavorful summer soup is easy to make and perfect to pair with our La Sirena Rosato!
Chilled Thai Watermelon Soup with Dungeness Crab Salad
Pair with 2022 La Sirena Rosato
One of my favorite wines to drink all year round, but especially in summer when the crisp, lively
palette of the wine matches the celebrations of summer and the excitement of melons ripening in
the garden. With notes of rose petal and ripe red fruits, this deep blush rosado is driven by its
elegantly integrated acid allowing playfulness with chili, citrus, and Asian notes. This soup
transforms the sweetness of summer watermelon into a more savory and complex soup perfect to
start a summer meal. I like to make it a day ahead to allow the flavors in the soup to develop and
integrate overnight.
INGREDIENTS
6C Watermelon, Cubed (approx half of one small-medium seedless watermelon)
1 Lemongrass Stalk, lower 4in chopped
2Tbsp Shallot, roughly chopped
2Tbsp Fresh Ginger, peeled and chopped
1.5tsp Garlic Salt
1Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Serrano Chili
4Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
Diamond Crystals Kosher Salt to taste
CRAB SALAD
12oz Dungeness Crab Meat
.25C Cilantro, Chopped
1tsp Olive Oil
1tsp Lime Juice, to taste
1.5Tbsp Mayonnaise*
.5tsp Garlic Salt
METHOD
1. Puree the watermelon in a blender until smooth and set aside.
2. In a small food processor, pulse lemongrass, shallot, and ginger until finely chopped.
3. Heat a small sauce pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil, shallot, lemongrass, and ginger, and
sauté until the aromatics become soft and fragrant.
4. Add half of the watermelon puree to the pan, and simmer for 5 min, stirring occasionally.
5. Add reserved watermelon puree and simmered watermelon mixture back into the blender with
garlic salt, Kosher salt, half of the chili and 2T Lime Juice. Blend to mix and adjust the flavor of the
soup with more Lime juice, Chili, and/or Salt as desired.
6. Strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve, discarding any solids. Chill for at least 3 hours or place
in an airtight container in the fridge to chill overnight.
7. Mix all ingredients for the crab salad together and adjust the flavor as desired. Divide salad
among four bowls and pour in chilled soup. Garnish with edible flowers or cilantro leaves as
desired.
*NOTE: I love the rich tanginess of Duke’s mayonnaise in almost all of my recipes, but for this crab
salad, it can be fun to substitute a Japanese, Jalapeño, or Sriracha mayo to subtly lift the flavor.
Recipe and photo © Christina Machamer - do not copy or reproduce without permission.
Downloadable/printable recipe card
Jul 14, 2023 at 1:29 PM
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New Releases: 2019 Studio Series & 2018 Barrett Vineyard Syrah
Two new wines are now available: 2019 Studio Series & 2018 Barrett Vineyard Syrah. These rich, elegant red wines are tasting amazing, and we look forward to sharing them with you!
2019 Studio Series - In addition to being a winemaker, I have also been a painter and visual artist for many years. Studio Series is a Cab-forward winemaker blend that features a different painting of mine on the label each vintage. For 2019, I selected my vibrant floral painting "Beetlejuice Bouquet #2", a work that is bursting with color and life! I’m proud to offer this unique wine that shows off my creative work both inside and outside of the bottle. Our 2017 and 2018 Studio Series are still available if you'd like to collect them all.
From Heidi's Tasting Notes: "The aromas show expressive fruit characteristics of Cab and Syrah – berry, cherry and plum with nuances of French oak, blueberry, garden herbs, and tea leaves. The flavors are mouthcoating, vibrant, and lively. The fruit character of the aromas carries through in the flavors. Very streamlined silky tannins and mouthfeel across the palate."
Purchase - Tech sheet - Bottle shot
***
2018 Barrett Vineyard Syrah - We’re excited to bring back this delicious cult-favorite wine. Syrah has been a big part of our brand since we first produced it in 2000, and we have been through many iterations and vineyard sources over the years. We grow 2 acres of Estate Syrah at our property in Calistoga, and in the 2018 vintage, it was just so incredibly delicious that I had to give it its own bottling once again! The last vintage of 100% Barrett Syrah before this was all the way back in 2007. We are delighted to welcome back this very special wine for a limited bottling of just 135 cases, and hope you love it as much as we do!
From Heidi's Tasting Notes: "...aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, BBQ sauce, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish. This vintage produced a delicious Syrah that we decided to bottle on its own, unblended, to show how delicious and special Syrah can be flying solo."
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May 5, 2023 at 12:45 PM
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New Releases: 2022 Rosato & 2019 Malbec
Two new wines are now available: 2022 Rosato & 2019 Malbec. These delicious wines are ready to please your palate and add some pizzazz to your cellar.
2022 Rosato - Our unusual rosé of Primitivo. A fun-to-drink, easy-to-love blush wine that's loaded with fresh flavor and a beautiful bright color. A balanced, crisp, medium-weight rosé equally suited to pairing with food or sipping on its own. We especially love it with sushi, shrimp dumplings, poke bowls, or colorful vegetable salads with a citrus dressing.
From Heidi & Remi's Tasting Notes: The color is a beautiful soft petal pink, with vibrant fruity aromas of strawberries, pink grapefruit, and cantaloupe, and a lovely floral note adding complexity. Bright, mouthwatering acidity is enticing with clean flavors to match the aromatics. It’s crisp and dry, but has a candy-like impression on the palate because of the intense fruit flavors.
Tech sheet - Bottle Shot - Purchase
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2019 Malbec - One of the 5 red Bordeaux varietals, and perhaps most famously produced in Argentina, Malbec is a less-commonly grown varietal in our neck of the woods. The small amount of Malbec grown in Napa and Sonoma is typically used in Cab-based blends. We love how velvety and juicy it is on its own! Our La Sirena Malbec is a great option for those who love our La Sirena Cab and are looking to branch out, or for anyone who loves rich, smooth red wines.
From Heidi & Remi's Tasting Notes: Deep ruby in color, with an enticing pure nose of dark fruit aromas (blueberry, blackberry, currant), accented with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and an earthy note reminiscent of bark. Across the palate it is velvety and extremely well balanced. Great acid in the mid palate keeps it bright and lifted while still being quite rich and dense.
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Feb 3, 2023 at 12:18 PM
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