La Muse
2003
Vintage
The 2003 growing season was a dry, warm and challenging one. Winter and spring temperatures were mild. Heavy rainfall in November, December and January was followed by a relatively dry February and March. Then heavy rainfall again in April and May led to flowering and set a good crop. A short September heat wave helped finalize the ripening and was balanced by the moderating effect of the cool Pacific nights. Harvest took place September 17th through October 12th. – Pierre Seillan, Vigneron
Notes
The 2003 La Muse belies its age, still showing quite dark and youthful. The acidity is a touch less than the 2002, a product of this warmer vintage. The tannins remain firm and intense, yet ripe and fleshy, and are in harmony with the richness of this vintage. The nose is vibrant, with a presence of fresh mixed red and black fruit. Black cherry, dried herbs, cocoa nibs, rhubarb and violets abound in the glass. At first taste, the wine is aromatically open and lush with the fruit emerging and deepening over thirty to fifty minutes. This intense structure bodes well for continued aging of fifteen plus years. – November 2017
Composition
84% Merlot
10% Cabernet Franc
5% Cabernet Sauvignon
1% Malbec
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.