Profound and sophisticated, La Muse delivers the incredible depth and texture of Merlot from the top micro-crus of eastern Sonoma County. Like a graceful swan, it embodies elegance, softness, and strength. Crafted from Bordeaux varieties, this is a wine of supple fruit and earthen spice, with a seamless melding of finesse and power. Its exceptional balance and length highlight Merlot’s potential in the New World.

The 2016 growing season proved, once again, the importance of pruning. By adapting our pruning techniques to each micro-cru, after several years of drought, we worked in concert with Mother Nature to produce grapes that would result in elegant, age-worthy wines in the signature style of La Muse. While we experienced some heat spikes in July, the temperatures during the summer growing season were moderate with some cooler days in late August. This provided the ideal conditions for slower ripening, resulting in less sugar accumulation and producing good acidity in the grapes.

Fragrant aromas of black plums, redcurrants, and dried citrus peel mingle with notes of leather, crème brûlée, and hints of vanilla bean. The flavors on the palate unveil layers of black fruit, toasted cedar, and cassis along with hints of melted dark chocolate, wild thyme, browned butter, and cinnamon. Marked by powdery yet firm tannins and bright acidity, the wine carries its structure with effortless grace. A stony minerality is revealed throughout the elegant, lengthy finish - a signature character of La Muse. Tasting date: May 2019