2002 Vérité "La Muse" Sonoma County Bordeaux Blend
SKU #1018821
99 points
Wine Advocate
This 93% Merlot / 7% Cabernet Franc blend (92% from the Alexander Mountain Estate, 6% from Bennett Valley and 2% from Knight’s Valley) is a 'kissing cousin' of the 2001, only softer and more flamboyant. Classically Californian in its exuberant, flamboyant, super-rich, unctuously textured style, the tannins are softer than in the 2001, but the wine unquestionably has the potential to last for another quarter of a century. It exhibits an opaque plum/purple color along with abundant notes of cassis, licorice, graphite, coffee cake and spice box. More approachable than the 2001, the 2002 will offer phenomenal drinking over the next 25 years. (RP)
(6/2012)
98 points
Jeb Dunnuck
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.
(6/2019)
97 points
Decanter
The complex nose expresses subtle spice and mint notes on a foundation of ripe black raspberry. It has all the Verité hallmarks of density with freshness and lightness of touch on the palate, but also more acidic thrust than the 1998. (YC)
(5/2019)
93 points
James Suckling
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.
(11/2018)