2003 Vérité La Muse
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Tasting notes
A California version of a Pomerol, the 2003 La Muse is a blend of 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec that tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. It is just beginning to reveal such secondary nuances as cedarwood, Christmas fruitcake, red and black currants, licorice and tapenade. Full-bodied with an imposing structure, the wine’s fruit, purity, denseness and richness suggest it can be approached, but it is capable of lasting another 25+ years. Made by Bordelais winemaker Pierre Seillan, these may be the longest lived red wines in the Jackson family portfolio. All three are sourced from high-elevation Sonoma vineyards owned by the Jacksons, primarily in Bennett Valley, Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley and Knight’s Valley. Tel. (707) 433-9000
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(83.5% merlot, 10% cabernet franc, 5.5% cabernet sauvignon and 1% malbec) Full ruby-red. Deep aromas of currant, mocha, chocolate, iron, tobacco and dried herbs, with a liqueur-like nuance. Round, vinous and rich, with highly concentrated flavors of currant, leather and chocolate. There's a silkiness to the texture and a candied note to the wine's fruit, but this powerfully structured merlot-based wine's building tannins and uncompromising dryness will require at least four or five years of cellaring.
Good bright, deep ruby. Aromas of blackberry, violet, espresso, bitter chocolate and maple syrup. Sweet, broad and extremely primary, with black fruit and espresso flavors framed by well-integrated acidity. Finishes very long and chocolatey, with 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.