La Muse
2011
Vintage
This year started out as another great vintage; cool nights, sunny days and low humidity. The 2011 season had late spring rains and flowering, followed by a not-too-hot summer. It was a long growing season, which produced lower alcohols and very balanced fruit with good acidity and great expression of micro-cru distinction. We began picking September 26th with Merlot from Chalk Hill and finished October 19th with Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Mountain Estate. Our new Pellenc optical sorting system helps remove imperfect berries and ensure that only the best grapes go into our tanks. This heightened selectivity made 2011 another spectacular vintage for Vérité. Harvest took place September 26th through October 19th. – Pierre Seillan, Vigneron
Notes
This youthful wine shows complex black plum, boysenberry and blueberry flavors, with pronounced non-fruit layers of menthol, chocolate powder, fresh pine bark and toasted sage. The palate is defined by ripe, powdery tannins and underscored by a zing of balancing acidity, which brings the picture into full focus – taming and organizing the other elements into a cohesive whole.
Composition
89% Merlot
7% Malbec
4% Cabernet Franc
It exhibits a dense ruby color along with attractive aromas of Christmas fruitcake, sweet baking spices, red and blackcurrants and licorice. Medium to full-bodied and complete, it tails off slightly in the finish, but this outstanding 2011 should offer pleasure over the next 10-15 years.