Rockstar Winemakers Bo and Heidi Barrett
I have never been the kind of person who gets “star-stuck”. It seems to me that at the end of the day that everyone once to be treated like normal despite how the celebrity status or influence of that person. However, I do have to admit that within the wine world there are few “celebrity winemakers” quite like Bo and Heidi Barrett.
Bo Barrett, as owner and winemaker, has helped Napa Valley find itself on the wine world map through his family’s winery in Calistoga Chateau Montelena. Many of you may know this name due to the winery’s influence in the famous “Judgement of Paris” competition that elevated the wines of California over those of France. Now, Bo continues the operations of Chateau Montelena as they repeatedly produce wines of exceptional character vintage after vintage.
Heidi Barrett has rose to fame through multiple high profile wine making jobs including the iconic wine of “Screaming Eagle”. Due to the absolute prestige of this wine under Heidi’s control it received perfect scores in multiple vintages and is recorded as the highest bided wine ever sold in auction! Now, she has started her own line of wines under the name “La Sirena” that display her character and absolute prowess and understanding of expert quality wine.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to have Heidi and Bo as guests on an Episode of Wine Down with Spec’s. While I had an endless array of questions that I wanted to ask, ultimately I allowed our employees within the chain to use the video as a platform to ask anything to the dynamic duo. In the video, you will watch as we taste through two of their amazing wines and answer a few questions from our wine salesmen.
Check it out on our website www.youtube.com/specs1962 and become a Subscriber to get updates on wine pairings, tips, winemakers, and everything under the sun about the wine Biz!
La Sirena Muscat Azul 2008
A dry style of Muscat, this wine shows a vast array of different tropical, peach, and citrus fruit on the nose. Highlighted by brilliant acidity on the palate, the wine is fresh and clean and leaves you salivating.
Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
A great example of true Cabernet character from Napa, this wine highlights spice flavors while also allowing the fruit to take center stage. Seamless and full bodied, this wine’s tannin structure is so well integrated that it appears very soft on the palate.
