2004 Vérité La Muse
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Tasting notes
(14.3% alcohol): Bright, dark medium ruby. Medicinal black fruits, menthol, rose petal, brown spices, mocha, espresso and molten chocolate on the very ripe nose; some hints of _surmaturité. Boasts a texture like liquid velvet; not particularly sweet but delivers terrific depth of dark raspberry and chocolate flavor and an incredibly glossy texture. As seamless as this wine is, its powerful structure gives a kick to the finish, where broad, serious tannins saturate the entire palate. This very young, sophisticated wine is a beauty, but give it some time in a decanter if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2004 La Muse, a blend of 88% Merlot / 8% Cabernet Franc / 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, is equal parts Alexander Mountain, Knight’s Valley and Bennett Valley fruit with a tiny bit from Dry Creek. The wine grew incrementally as it sat in the glass. A dense purple color was followed by aromas of loamy soil, charcoal, asphalt, chocolate, freshly brewed espresso and abundant blackberry and cassis fruit. This deep, rich beauty is still young and primary, but is loaded with potential. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035. Tel. (800) 273-0177; Fax (707) 431-1261
(84% merlot, 8% cabernet franc, 5% cabernet sauvignon and 3% malbec) Bright red-ruby. Enticing aromas of plum, licorice, iron, mocha, tobacco and sexy nutty oak. Plush, spicy and sweet, with a lovely light touch to the silky flavors. Very suave wine, finishing long and firm, with noble tannins and lively acidity. Balanced to age but already accessible. Winemaker Pierre Seillan notes that the cabernet sauvignon component is to add "shoulders" to the wine, while the malbec contributes a spicy element.
The 2004 La Muse, a blend of 88% Merlot / 8% Cabernet Franc / 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, is equal parts Alexander Mountain, Knight’s Valley and Bennett Valley fruit with a tiny bit from Dry Creek. The wine grew incrementally as it sat in the glass. A dense purple color was followed by aromas of loamy soil, charcoal, asphalt, chocolate, freshly brewed espresso and abundant blackberry and cassis fruit. This deep, rich beauty is still young and primary, but is loaded with potential. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035. Apr 2014, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
The winery was the dream of Jess Jackson, the man who founded the incredibly successful Jackson Family Wines. He, however, wanted to produce truly fine wine in Sonoma County.