2018 Verite, Assortment Case [La Joie, La Muse, Le Desir], Sonoma County, Case of 3 Btls

RP100 "A blend of 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, the 2018 La Muse was matured 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose delivers a powerful perfume of cherry pie, blackberry preserves and baked plums, followed by suggestions of red roses, cast-iron pan, underbrush and unsmoked cigars, plus wafts of licorice and oolong tea. Medium to full-bodied, the black fruit and exotic spice layers flow so gracefully over the palate, textured by plush tannins and lifted with seamless freshness, finishing epically long and achingly fragrant. The intensity and complexity of aromas and flavors—all waltzing in captivating harmony—cannot fail to make your head spin in the best possible way. Electrifying!" LPB for TWA Jul 2021

JS99 "Blackberries, black mushrooms, violets, flowers, and dark tobacco. Black truffle, too. Full-bodied, yet in check and pretty. The fine tannins frame the wine perfectly. Really long and focused. Seamless. Elegance with power. This will age incredibly well, but already so gorgeous to try. 76% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot and 3% malbec. Try after 2026, but attractive now." JS Jan 2021

DR99 "The wine has a gorgeous nose. All botanicals, florals, berries, wet leaves, earth which is dewy and freshly turned. And then there’s a wow factor on the palate which is massive, complex, labyrinthine in its layers and nuances. Like a peacock somehow, a glimpse of the glory of its tail awaiting the years to open to full beauty. This wine will take years. It is dark, powerful, brooding, beyond words beautiful." CT for DR Nov 2021