New Article: Heidi Barrett's Bold and Creative Life (Napa Valley Focus)

Tim Carl of Napa Valley Focus recently interviewed Heidi for this wonderful piece - "Heidi Barrett's Bold and Creative Life" - This in-depth article covers Heidi’s life story and path to becoming a world-renowned winemaker, acclaimed artist, business owner, scuba diver, pilot and more; and her 40+ year relationship with husband Bo Barrett. Thank you so much to Tim Carl for this fantastic piece and the wonderful photos! Read the full piece and see Tim's photos here.

New Release: 2021 Barrett & Barrett Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

A new vintage is available now - the highly anticipated 2021. 

Vintage Report from Bo Barrett: The 2021 growing season was a bit unusual, but turned out great in the end. A relatively dry winter followed by a warm spring caused the vines to break dormancy early. Happily, as the season progressed there were no serious heat spikes that, had they occurred, with the lower-than-normal soil moisture reserves could have been a problem. The harvest actually was not impacted by the early spring, and occurred in late Sept- early Oct as usual. The yields were about 25% lower than average, resulting in very concentrated vintage.

Tasting notes: "Very deep ruby in color, with beautifully focused aromas of ripe black fruit. The nose is lifted and pure, showing complex layers from our 4 different Cab clones grown at this tiny vineyard. Expansive on the palate with gorgeous flavors of concentrated berry jam and pomegranate, accentuated by hints of mocha, cedar, and sweet toasty French oak. Velvety texture with amazing length and a seamless finish - tannins are very fine and integrated. A big, silky Cab that has it all – beautiful now, but will offer years of enjoyment ahead."

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New Release: 2021 Aviatrix Grenache

Our new 2021 Aviatrix Grenache is available now - A wonderful medium weight red that is quite versatile with food pairings, and can be served at room temp or even slightly chilled. Graceful and flavorful, Aviatrix Grenache makes a perfect landing every time.

2021 Aviatrix Grenache - We're proud to present our FIFTH vintage of 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 2021, we chose a new vineyard source in Bennett Valley in Sonoma County. This beautiful high-elevation site has gravelly soils and gets afternoon sun for nice, even ripening, producing amazing flavors in this Grenache.

From Our Tasting Notes: "Medium ruby in color with exotic aromatic layering rising from the glass. Notes of spicy cranberry, 5-spice, red plums, orange zest, light French oak, and ripe raspberries. Across the palate it is mouthcoating and lively, silky and exciting. Flavorful without being heavy -  it has medium body with good balance and length. A delicious and oh-so-loveable expression of Grenache."

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Find more at Aviatrix-wine.com!

New Release: 2021 La Sirena Cab

After a 2 year hiatus, La Sirena Cabernet is back with a new vintage release - 2021. Cabernet Sauvignon is our flagship wine for La Sirena, and the best example of the elegance, balance, and beautiful opulence that Heidi strives for in her red wines.

Cabernet lovers will recognize the winemaking style which is similar in blend profile to the famous and much-loved Screaming Eagle wines she made previously. With the richness & depth of Napa Valley Cabernet fruit on display, La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon has a 25+ year tradition of age-worthiness, velvety structure & powerful presence that has impressed wine lovers around the world.

Heidi's tasting notes:

"The 2021 La Sirena Cab is very dark berry in color. Deep ripe fruit aromas of blackberry, currants, dark plums, along with accents of French Oak toastiness and caramel are beautiful and inviting. Very rich and lush across the mouthfilling profile. Flavors mirror the aromas showing off perfect berry ripeness and the excellent growing season that year. A compact, low-yield vintage produced wines of great concentration and age-worthiness. This is a wine of great finesse and balance - silky, elegant, and expressive, Cab Sauv at its best. A beauty to enjoy for many years to come!"

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Available by the bottle, 6pk in wood box, or 1.5L signed, etched magnum

New Recipe Pairing: 2023 Moscato Azul with Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps

Our latest recipe pairing collab with Chef Christina Machamer is perfect for the late summer days - Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps. We love the unexpected and bold choice of pairing zingy marinated beef with a lighter, aromatic white wine. It truly shows the versatility of our Moscato Azul when pairing with a vast array of delicious food choices!

Bulgogi Lettuce wraps

pair with 2023 Moscato azul

The Moscato Azul leaps from the glass with notes of white cantaloupe, pineapple, and ginger blossoms leading to a lean, crisp, dry palette.  The acidity feels almost effervescent and longs to be challenged by spice, richness, and complexity on the plate.  Though on the surface this wine pairs well with lighter dishes of the sea, she surprises as she stands up to well marbled skirt steak marinated in a rich and slightly sweet Korean-inspired Bulgogi Sauce.  We balanced the sweetness of the sauce with an acid driven slaw and the spice of fresh sliced serrano chilis.  Every spicy, rich bite is refreshed with another sip of this enchanting summer favorite.

NOTE:  To save time, you can use a store-bought Bulgogi or Korean BBQ marinade.  I like to enhance the flavor with fresh grated ginger to match with the notes of ginger blossom in the wine.  While I love the richness of skirt steak balanced by the leanness of the wine, feel free to substitute chicken or shiitake mushrooms.

BULGOGI MARINADE

6T        Gluten Free Soy Sauce
2T        Dark Brown Sugar
2T        Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
1ea       Pink Lady Apple, cubed, core discarded
1          Shallot (large)
2          Cloves Garlic
2t         Grated Fresh Ginger

Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth.  Strain marinade, pressing on any solids to extract as much of the marinade and flavor as possible.

CARROT & DAIKON RADISH SLAW

1ea       Carrot, Julienned (or sliced into strips)
1ea       Small Daikon Radish, Julienned (or sliced into strips)
1T        Kosher Salt
.5C       Rice Wine Vinegar
.25C     Water
.25C     Sugar
1in       Ginger Root, peeled and cut into small chunks
5ea       Slices of Serrano or Jalapeño Chili (optional)

METHOD

1.  Place Julienne carrot and daikon radish in a small bowl and coat with salt.  Let rest for 5 minutes to draw out water and season, then rinse well in cold water.

2.  In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, water, and sugar to a boil.  Remove from heat and add ginger and chili slices if desired to create the pickling liquid.

3. Pour pickling liquid over carrots and daikon and cover with a doubled over piece of plastic wrap to keep the veggies submerged.  Allow to come to room temperature, then transfer into a plastic container or glass jar and refrigerate.  Slaw will develop the best flavor if allowed to pickle overnight, and will keep in the refrigerator for 30 days.

LETTUCE WRAPS

1.5lbs   Skirt Steak or other tender cut of meat
Bulgogi Marinade
To Taste - Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 Head Butter Lettuce, leaves removed and washed
Carrot & Daikon Slaw
.25C     Cilantro Leaves
1ea       Serrano or Jalapeño Chili, thinly sliced
.25C     Crushed Cashews or peanuts for texture

METHOD

1.  Place Skirt Steak in a compostable or plastic zip-lock bag with Bulgogi marinade.  Close bag, removing any air, and gently massage to ensure marinade covers the meat.  Place on a plate (to avoid mess) and refrigerate for at least six hours and up to two days.

2. Preheat your grill.  Remove meat from marinade, and season to taste with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.  Bring any remaining marinade to a boil to use as a dipping sauce.

3.  Cook skirt steak to desired doneness and allow to rest for 5 minutes.  Slice meat against the grain into small strips.

4.  To serve lettuce wraps, place desired amount of beef into a butter lettuce cup.  Top with slaw, cilantro, pepper slices, and crushed nuts.  Dip in sauce if desired.

Recipe and photo © Christina Machamer - do not copy or reproduce without permission.

Downloadable/printable recipe card

Purchase La Sirena Moscato Azul

New Release: 2023 Aviatrix Albariño

A brand new wine is available now: 2023 Aviatrix Albariño! We have been Albariño fans for many years, so when the opportunity to make our own came up, we knew it was the perfect choice for our first Aviatrix white wine. Our Albariño is sourced from Napa Valley - it's medium-light bodied and delightfully tropical, with zesty, uplifting acidity. We hope you enjoy our latest Aviatrix adventure!

From Heidi, Chelsea and Remi's tasting notes: 

"...Aromas of fresh pineapple as well as pineapple candy rise from the glass, along with tropical notes of starfruit, melon, and a bit of cucumber. Subtle herb notes of thyme and tarragon, a floral hint of rose petal, minerality, and the lightest whisper of vanilla add intrigue to this deliciously mouth-watering wine..." 

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New Releases: 2023 Moscato Azul & 2023 Rosato

Two new wines are now available: 2023 Moscato Azul & 2023 Rosato. These wines are delicious and ready to brighten your day! We look forward to sharing them with you. 

2023 Moscato Azul - Celebrating the 20th vintage of our signature white wine! A gorgeous, unusual expression of the Muscat Canelli grape. All the tropical, floral, perfumed characteristics  shine, while the crisp acidity and dry finish render it highly quaffable & wonderful for food pairings. Try it with our chef-created pairing - Thai Green Curry Soup.

From Heidi's Tasting Notes: "Pale straw in color with perfumey aromas of lychee, honeysuckle, white peach, and honeydew melon. Flavors match the aromas in a mouthfilling, lush profile. Silky, balanced and unique, this wine pairs so well with a variety of foods and is perfect poolside or while cooking dinner."

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***

2023 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. Or try it with our chef-created pairing - Watermelon Soup with Dungeness Crab Salad.

From Heidi's Tasting Notes: "The color is a beautiful rose petal pink, with bright, fresh fruity aromas of Rainier cherries and strawberries, with a lovely floral note of roses adding complexity. Bright, mouthwatering acidity is enticing with clean flavors to match the aromatics. The vibrant flavor linger in a memorable, mouthwatering finish that will bring you back for more."

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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

Purchase Pirate TreasuRed

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

Purchase La Sirena Moscato Azul

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