The awesome 2001 La Muse (85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec; 500 cases) boasts a saturated purple color as well as aromas of blackberry liqueur, cigar tobacco, chocolate, licorice, minerals, and cocoa. The knock-out aromatics are followed by a compellingly concentrated, layered wine of exceptional harmony, purity, and richness. Purchasers are in for a religious drinking experience ... send in the angels! Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. (Release date 5/04) Tel. (800) 273-0177; Fax (800) 600-5895

This has a very complex nose with superb definition: ebullient raspberry, cedar and cassis aromas. Very smooth entry on the palate with lovely cashmere tannins. Very harmonious, elegant and well-knit whilst the finish is very focused with a lingering raspberry and kirsch notes. Wonderful. Tasted September 2005.

Bright, dark, moderately saturated red to the rim. Very sexy scents of black raspberry, mocha, graphite, tobacco, licorice, game and spices, lifted by a floral topnote. Moderately sweet on entry, then shows a fine-grained texture and lovely savory concentration to its berry, spice and floral flavors. At once dense and juicy, even if it doesn't show quite the complexity or detail of the better later vintages of this bottling. Finishes with firm, dusty, slightly drying tannins and very good subtle length. I wanted a bit more sweetness of fruit. With 48 hours in the recorked bottle, this was the supplest and juiciest of the three Vérité 2001s but not the densest or richest. And the tannins turned a bit more clenched.