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Tasting notes
The 2002 La Muse, a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, has aged gracefully, with a medium garnet color and complex aromas of dried cherries, smoked meats, mushrooms, graphite, leather and soy sauce. The palate offers juicy acidity and Griotte cherry fruit, softened tannins and a layered, very expressive finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Starting to hit primetime, the 2002 La Muse has a ripe, sexy, opulent style. Notes of ripe black cherries, currants, tobacco, rosemary, and spicy garrigue all flow to a full-bodied, layered Merlot that has rounded tannins, no hard edges, and a big finish. It’s smack in the middle of its prime drink window and should easily stay at this stage for another 10-15 years or more.
Black truffles, dried meat and dark fruits on the nose. Full body with flavors of meat, coffee and foie gras. Slightly chewy tannins. Holding on beautifully.
(90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc) Bright ruby-red. Ripe aromas of black plum, licorice, chocolate and menthol; slightly reduced. Sweet, lush, broad and deep, with black cherry, mocha and cocoa powder flavors complicated by a balsamic note. Finishes with dusty, building tannins.
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.