This is Heidi Peterson Barrett’s wine – yes, she of Screaming Eagle fame.  Recipient of two 100 point wine scores from Robert Parker (if that kind of stuff is important to you), she has created many well-regarded wines since she graduated from UC Davis in 1980.

The La Sirena is made in the northern Rhône style with Syrah from two vineyards in Calistoga and St. Helena.

On the eyes, it’s a deep ruby and even at 7 years old, there is no garnet showing.  Sediment shows in the bottle, so leave the last centimetre or you’ll be crunching on tasty bits.  The nose is heavily perfumed with aromas of purple plum, field berry and deep garrigue.

The palate is dry with high acidity, silky tannins and a graceful body.  Flavours show deeply ripened plum and pomegranate, with black pepper, dried sage, tarragon and savoury meat.

WSET Very Good Plus and delicious.  Complex and layered, it has an extended finish and despite its alcohol approaching 15%, is an absolutely elegant drink.