Verite La Muse 2018 Magnum (1,5l)

Product info about Verite La Muse 2018 Magnum (1,5l)

Verite La Muse 2018 Magnum is a red wine from Sonoma County with clear Bordeaux inspiration and a distinctly Californian origin. La Muse is Verite's Merlot-led cuvée; in the 2018 vintage it is built around 90% Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Malbec completing the blend. The 1.5-litre magnum format gives the wine real presence, especially for a bottle with this level of structure and ageing ambition.

The fruit comes from several Sonoma County appellations, including Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Chalk Hill and Knights Valley. That selection of micro-crus is central to the way La Muse is composed: it is less about one single site and more about bringing together carefully chosen Sonoma origins. The wine spent 16 months in French oak, with a very high proportion of new barrels.

Verite describes 2018 as one of the strong Californian vintages of the previous two decades. A long, relatively cool growing season allowed the grapes to ripen slowly while keeping freshness in the fruit. That background helps explain the wine's combination of depth, structure and long-term potential.

At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out for customers looking for a serious Sonoma red with reputation and substance. The critical recognition for this vintage, including 100 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Robert Parker Wine Advocate, adds to its stature. With only the last bottles remaining, this magnum has become increasingly scarce.

In the glass, Verite La Muse 2018 shows a deep ruby-violet to purple-red colour. The aroma is layered, bringing together ripe red and black plum, black cherry, cassis and blackberry, with floral notes of violet and red rose.

Darker details follow: new leather, freshly turned clay, graphite, cedar, dark chocolate, cacao, tobacco, liquorice, tea, spice and a light touch of toast. On the palate, red and black fruit return alongside cacao, earthy nuances, spice and an iron-like, almost sanguine edge.

The body ranges from medium-full to full, with powdery to soft tannins, fresh acidity and a layered texture. The finish is long, carrying fruit, spice and dark earthy tones with composure.