International Wine Cellar | Rating: 93
($125) Medium ruby. Aromatic nose combines wild blackberry, Cuban tobacco, chocolate cake, smoke and minerals. Concentrated, lush and impressively sweet, with snappy raspberry and mineral flavors dominating This is kept fresh by harmonious acidity but is also lush, seamless and expansive. Finishes with broad tannins and impressive sweetness and persistence. This St. Emilion-style blend is still very young and may prove to be the best of the 2001 trio made under the Verite label.Author: Stephen TanzerIssue: May/June 2004Wine Spectator | Rating: 74
Ruggedly tannic, with a dense core of cedar, chalk and dried currant, and while it's undeniably concentrated, the level of tannins is a major concern. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and MalbecAuthor: James LaubeWine Advocate | Rating: 97
The 2001 Le Desir (50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec) came from Alexander Valley Mountain Estate fruit (two-thirds), 30% from Chalk Hill and a tiny dollop from Knight's Valley. The most evolved of these three wines, it exhibits complex notes of spring flowers, underbrush, truffles, forest floor, camphor and red as well as black fruits. It possesses an opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, fabulous purity and density and a long finish. The finish for all three of these wines lasts for close to a minute. Each represents extraordinary craftsmanship and, essentially, vinous confirmation of the vision of the late Jess Jackson. Those who think too many California wines are over the top may be surprised to know that the 2001 La Muse has a pH of 3.63 and a 'realƒ?_ natural alcohol of 14.1%. La Joie's pH is 3.65 and its alcohol is 14.2%, and Le Desir's pH is 3.68 and its true alcohol level is 14.1%.Author: Robert Parker
Anonymous | Rating: 95
Author: Rodney MSelf | Rating:
Really goodAuthor: Balser Michael
"The name Verite, French for truth, stands for wines that reflect their soil with integrity." The artisanal project of the late legendary California wine pioneer Jess Jackson, Verite sets out to produce serious Bordeaux-quality wines, with distinct California charm. To carry out his vision, Jackson imported Bordelais winemaker Pierre Seillan to craft three separate cuvees, each in the style of individual Bordeaux communes.
From high elevation vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, Knight's Valley, Bennett Valley and Chalk Hill appellations, comes "La Joie," "Le Desire," and "La Muse." While "La Joie" is a Cabernet-based nod to Paulliac, "Le Desire" and "La Muse" aspire toward Cabernet Franc-friendly Saint-Emilion and Merlot-centric Pomerol respectively. Not unlike their Bordeux counterparts, these wines are built to last 30-50 years, so to expect a typical fruit-driven, vivacious wine would be a mistake. The care taken to craft these profound efforts has been recognized by Robert Parker, who has awarded seven 100-point scores for Verite's three blends, the first time a Sonoma County winery has received this many perfect scores.
From high elevation vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, Knight's Valley, Bennett Valley and Chalk Hill appellations, comes "La Joie," "Le Desire," and "La Muse." While "La Joie" is a Cabernet-based nod to Paulliac, "Le Desire" and "La Muse" aspire toward Cabernet Franc-friendly Saint-Emilion and Merlot-centric Pomerol respectively. Not unlike their Bordeux counterparts, these wines are built to last 30-50 years, so to expect a typical fruit-driven, vivacious wine would be a mistake. The care taken to craft these profound efforts has been recognized by Robert Parker, who has awarded seven 100-point scores for Verite's three blends, the first time a Sonoma County winery has received this many perfect scores.
California is the heartland of wine production in the US, and the state that brought prestige to American wine thanks to the pioneers who built early wineries like Staglin, Beringer, Ridge, Mayacamas and Chateau Montelena in the 1800s. Its large geographic area ensures a great diversity in growing sites, varieties grown, and quality levels. Generalizations about the state's wines have numerous exceptions; however, a few key facts generally hold true—ample sunshine, dry weather during the growing season, and moderate winters prevail. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon continue to dominate the state's production—albeit in continually smaller percentages, as growers continue to diversify. More than 100 different varieties can be found throughout the state.
Collector Data For This Wine
- 836 bottles owned
- 149 collectors
- Average collector rating: 95
(Out of 149 collectors)