One of my surprise finds at the recent Family Winemakers of California tasting in San Francisco was the wines of La Sirena. I began my two days of tasting focusing on just white wines and this was one of my first stops when I noticed winemaker Heidi Barrett was pouring. Heidi is a winemaking super star with a track record for making blockbuster Cabernets at places like Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Rubicon and Grace Family. Today she is consulting winemaker at eight wineries including Amuse Bouche, Paradigm, Revana, Barbour, Lamborn, and Fantesca. But La Sirena is her personal project with husband and Napa Valley legend Bo Barrett, co-founder & winemaker of Chateau Montelena.
When I asked her about this wine, Heidi said she wanted to do something fun and different from what she has done elsewhere. She was certainly influenced by the style of wines made from Moscato Bianco in Italy’s Trentino but Moscato Azul seems to be a fresh New World interpretation of this variety which almost always is made in an off-dry or sweet style in California. The grapes come from a vineyard in Calistoga near where La Sirena is made and the Barrett’s have their own vineyard. Besides the wine, the striking blue bottle and matching synthetic cork also make an impression.
La Sirena, “Moscato Azul” Muscat Canelli, Napa Valley 2007 ($30) – Very light straw color in the glass with an explosively floral nose of mango, pineapple, orange blossoms and lychee. Light and clean on the palate with tropical fruit and citrus flavors finishing bone dry with good acidity. A truly unique white worth seeking out that would be an excellent match with brunch fare.
13.5% ABV
Synthetic cork closure
[rating: 4/5]
Note: Since this wine was tasted at a trade event I’m only using my 5 star rating system.
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Shhhhh!!!!!!
Moscato Azul is one of the hidden gems out there. I’ve been a huge fan since I first tried the ’05 vintage. I love to talk about it, but worry that people will go out and buy up all the available supply before I get my mitts on a few bottles. 🙂
You should try the La Sirena Cabernets…incredible.
Sorry Bill; someone had to do it 😉
Syrah notes in the works but she didn’t bring the $150 Cab to the tasting. Hope to try that one down the road…
Back to writing posts–this is what I like to see! Wine For Newbies has a right to be nervous, Tim. The way you described this wine has me hankering for a bottle myself (and just myself, no one else).
I only kid, it’s important to share the love. Especially when that love is, “an explosively floral nose of mango, pineapple, orange blossoms and lychee.” Oh man!