Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Verite
Label Name:
 
La Muse Sonoma County Merlot
Vintage:
 
2006
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Sonoma County (Sonoma Valley / Chalk Hill / Knights Valley / Alexander Mountain / Bennett Valley)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.1%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot 86%, Cabernet Franc 10%, Malbec 4%
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Wine Advocate (Erin Brooks) 96 (2022); Robert Parker / Wine Advocate 92 (2011); Wine Enthusiast 94; Vinous ~93. (Multiple high critic scores and strong collector demand. )

Tasting Note
Full-bodied Merlot-led blend of black cherry, cassis, black truffle, dried sage, leather and espresso with mineral and cedar notes; firm, polished tannins, elegant oak and a long savory finish.

Food Pairing
Grilled ribeye or roast lamb, braised short ribs, aged cheddar or Comté; Asian: Peking duck, Korean galbi (beef short ribs), shiitake and truffle mushroom dishes, char siu pork.

Production Method
Harvest Sept 18–Oct 14, 2006; small-lot fermentations with extended maceration; aged in French oak barrels (including new oak) for extended élevage before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Vérité, founded by Jess Jackson and vigneron Pierre Seillan, produces Bordeaux-style wines from a mosaic of premium Sonoma micro‑crus to create La Muse (first produced 1998).