2022 Coup de Foudre '37.2 Cuvee' Proprietary Red Napa Valley
Vigneron John Schwartz (CEO of Amuse Bouche and Au Sommet) tells the story of meeting his wife like it’s a “coup de foudre” – or, as the French describe it, love at first sight that’s as shocking as a lightning strike. He opened Coup de Foudre with winemaker Kent Jarman, Rockstar winemaker who has helmed winemaking at Duckhorn, Somerston, Kenefick Ranch, and more, to make impeccably well-made and expressive Bordeaux style wines from some of the best Napa vineyards.
The Cuvée 37.2 emphasizes power and purity, with rich cherry and blackberry intermixed with hints of licorice, leather, and sweet tobacco. Silky tannins and well-integrated French oak carry the long finish. This is a bold wine that leaps out of the glass to give you a “lightening-strike” with your first sip.
"Years before John Schwartz founded Amuse Bouche Winery in the Napa Valley, he found himself at a French fête trying to woo the woman who would become his wife. Unfortunately, while John was off refilling his Malibu and fruit juice, a bon vivant named Serge had moved in on his girl. When he later asked his sweetheart what that ""other man"" could possibly have said to make her swoon upon meeting, she told him, ""he held my hands and asked if I believed in coup de foudre."" Coup de Foudre. Pronounced ""koo dah food rah."" It's a lightning strike, that love at first sight moment you want to capture forever. We don't know if John's pulling our leg with his story. We do know that John and his business partner Danielle Price both dreamed of crafting a portfolio of wines for celebrating the magical moments and people in our lives. Trust us, when John sells you on his ""love conquers all"" ideology, it feels anything but cheesy."
James Suckling
Full-bodied but agile in acidity and moderate tannins, packed with crisp red and black fruit. Red cherries, blueberries and zesty spearmint are shaped by 60% new barrels without adding a lot of oak spices. It’s subtle, fresh and linear. 45% merlot, 25% petit verdot, 15% cabernet franc and 15% malbec. Drink or hold.