{"product_id":"verite-la-muse-2016-750ml","title":"Verite - La Muse 2016 (750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrench for ‘truth’, Vérité reflects our commitment to crafting the most authentic expression of the vineyard. Simply put, but profound in its intent, we are dedicated to producing red wines of style and substance using traditional methods and the finest fruit from mountain vineyards throughout Sonoma County.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVintage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2016 growing season proved, once again, the importance of pruning. By adapting our pruning techniques to each micro-cru, after several years of drought, we worked in concert with Mother Nature to produce grapes that would result in elegant, age-worthy wines in the signature style of La Muse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile we experienced some heat spikes in July, the temperatures during the summer growing season were moderate with some cooler days in late August. This provided the ideal conditions for slower ripening, resulting in less sugar accumulation and producing good acidity in the grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNotes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFragrant aromas of black plums, redcurrants, and dried citrus peel mingle with notes of leather, crème brûlée, and hints of vanilla bean. The flavors on the palate unveil layers of black fruit, toasted cedar, and cassis along with hints of melted dark chocolate, wild thyme, browned butter, and cinnamon. Marked by powdery yet firm tannins and bright acidity, the wine carries its structure with effortless grace. A stony minerality is revealed throughout the elegant, lengthy finish—a signature character of La Muse. Tasting date: May 2019\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eComposition: 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional Reviews\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100 points Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIncluding the highest percentage of Merlot (at the moment anyway), the 2016 La Muse checks in as 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Malbec that spent 15-16 months in roughly 90% new French oak. This magical wine shows how good Merlot (and Sonoma) can be and offers extraordinary notes of crushed violets, spring flowers, scorched earth, graphite, black cherries, and crème de cassis. As elegant and seamless as they come, it’s full-bodied, perfectly balanced, has an incredible spine of acidity and tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. (06\/2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e97+ points Wine Advocate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2016 La Muse, a composition of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec, is still very youthful at this stage. It has alluring scents of minerally Morello cherry, sage, desiccated rose petals and the first hints of maturity coming through as wafts of mushroom and cigars. The powerful, full-bodied palate is harmoniously balanced, with bright acidity, powdery tannins and a long, perfumed finish. (EB, 08\/2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e96 points James Suckling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ehis is a fabulous, merlot-based red with blackberries, blueberries and rust. Ink, too. Medium to full body, round tannins and a juicy finish. 93 per cent merlot with the rest in cabernet franc and malbec. (02\/2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e95 points Decanter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most approachable of the three Verité wines right now. This is richly textured with plush raspberry and grilled damson, high floral aromatics, and plenty of tannic structure that becomes more apparent as you give it time, and the weight of the mid palate asserts itself. There is a serious side to this wine that will become clearer as it ages and the welcoming puppy fat of young fruit trims down. This is Merlot dominated, and is exceptionally successful. (JA, 08\/2020)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Logan, Verite","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53574764724448,"sku":"132149","price":359.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0649\/9713\/0464\/files\/verite-la-muse_1.jpg?v=1784839243","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineconnection.com\/products\/verite-la-muse-2016-750ml","provider":"My Wine Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}