Heidi Barrett holds the acclaimed status as one of the most recognized names in Napa Valley. She can boast being the original artisan behind the cult status of Screaming Eagle and winner of some of the first multiple 100-point "Parker" scores for Napa Valley wines.
During her recent visit to Little Rock, I talked with Barrett about her career and her life. And as most who meet her will agree she is much more than Parker scores, she is passionate, humble, gracious and just the kind of person you immediately want to be friends with.
Her love of life spills over into her winemaking and other passionate endeavors. She is an artist, scuba diver and a helicopter pilot in addition to her remarkable talent of winemaking.
She has her hand in many winemaking projects, putting her signature touch on many of the most sought-after wine brands in the world. It's her passion for her own label, La Sirena, that is especially deserving of attention. It's her literal playground to show her amazing artistic ability in the winery. It started in 1994 as a fluke opportunity during a custom wine crush for a client using Sangiovese. The project fell through before bottling, but she had already created a beautiful wine. Just as they were about to put the wine up for sale in the bulk market she thought, "Here's my chance to start my own winery." And so, she did ... creating her La Sirena brand.
As a true fan and follower of Barrett's winemaking career, I am thrilled to have this brand in Arkansas. La Sirena produces about 2,000 cases of six different wines each year — her signature Cabernet sauvignon; a unique dry Moscato; Pirate TreasuRed based on Syrah, and blending Grenache, merlot, cab Franc and petit Verdot; "Le Barrettage" a Rhone lover's dream; and the newest to the portfolio, a lush expression of Grenache.
2016 Pirate TreasuRed, California (about $80 retail)
2015 La Sirena Le Barrettage, California (about $85 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:
Food on 02/20/2019