Winemaker Notes
The 2015 La Muse opens with a classic ruby-red core and brilliant pink-purple outer rim. A youthful, clean bouquet recalls wildflower bloom in Northern California, aromas of purple flowers and garrigue rising from the rocks. Its fruits are Bing cherries, black raspberry, currants and red apple, offered here in a fresh yet restrained ripeness. Like the rock bed of its loamy Sonoma County vineyard, La Muse bends and turns with seductive aromas of baking spices, juniper berry and a redwood grove in spring. Silky, well-integrated tannins with a lingering finish complete a wine with signature balance. La Muse is from the earth, hinting to depths of clay and alluvial soils, with structure and suppleness that will age beautifully for decades to come.

Blend: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec

Critical Acclaim

James Suckling - 97pts
This is dense yet agile young red with aromas and flavors of blackberries, black olives and black truffles. Full-bodied, layered and rich. Pretty ripe and melted tannins. Top merlot. 

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 97pts
Composed of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec, the 2015 La Muse sports a very deep garnet-purple color, leaping from the glass with exuberant crème de cassis, blueberry pie and licorice notes plus suggestions of Indian spices, dark chocolate, menthol, sautéed herbs and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it delivers tons of black and blue fruit preserves flavors, accented by exotic spices, framed with velvety tannins and finishing on a persistent earthy/mineral note. 3,900 cases were made.