All Red Wines
Welcome to our collection of exquisite red wines from around the world. Indulge in a sensory journey that takes you through the diverse terroirs and distinctive flavors crafted by renowned winemakers. From bold and robust to elegant and refined, our selection offers a delightful array of red wines to satisfy every palate.
Each bottle we offer is a testament to the artistry and passion of winemaking. Our team of experts has meticulously curated this collection to bring you the finest red wines from renowned vineyards across the globe. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or an enthusiastic beginner, we have something to captivate your taste buds and elevate your wine experience.
Explore the deep, velvety reds from the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux, where centuries of winemaking tradition have shaped some of the most sought-after blends in the world. Indulge in the rich, full-bodied flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, crafted with meticulous care and precision.
Venture to the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany, where the Sangiovese grape thrives, giving birth to the enchanting Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines. Savor the harmonious balance of fruit and earth, a true reflection of Italy's winemaking heritage.
Cross the ocean to the New World, where the vineyards of California, Australia, and South America produce bold and fruit-forward red wines that have garnered international acclaim. Discover the opulence of Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon, the elegance of Australia's Shiraz, or the intensity of Argentina's Malbec.
Uncover the hidden gems of lesser-known wine regions, where passionate winemakers are creating remarkable red wines that surprise and delight. From the hills of Lebanon to the valleys of South Africa, each bottle tells a unique story and offers a taste of the terroir from which it originates.
At Cru, we believe that wine is an invitation to explore the world and its diverse flavors. Our collection of red wines represents a global celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and the unending pursuit of excellence. Indulge in the remarkable tapestry of flavors, aromas, and textures that red wines offer, and let us guide you on a remarkable journey through the world of wine.
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All Red Wines
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Wine Advocate (100)
The 2013 La Muse, like all of the 2013s, comes about one-third from Alexander Valley vineyards, 40-plus percent from Chalk Hill, and the rest Knights Valley and Bennett Valley – all high-elevation hillside vineyards. A blend of 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec at 14.3% alcohol, the wine is amazingly like a great vintage of Petrus, with mulberry, black cherry, licorice, truffle and unctuous, thick, juicy fruit all present in this full-bodied masterpiece. The tannins are still present. The wine has purity and savory presence and is remarkable. The finish goes on for well past a minute. This wine would probably benefit from 5-8 years of bottle age and last 40-50 years.Inc. VAT£555.19 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2013 La Muse, like all of the 2013s, comes about one-third from Alexander Valley vineyards, 40-plus percent from Chalk Hill, and the rest Knights Valley and Bennett Valley – all high-elevation hillside vineyards. A blend of 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec at 14.3% alcohol, the wine is amazingly like a great vintage of Petrus, with mulberry, black cherry, licorice, truffle and unctuous, thick, juicy fruit all present in this full-bodied masterpiece. The tannins are still present. The wine has purity and savory presence and is remarkable. The finish goes on for well past a minute. This wine would probably benefit from 5-8 years of bottle age and last 40-50 years.Inc. VAT£982.78 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2014 La Muse (2,800 cases ) is a legendary effort. The wine offers an opaque purple color and a gorgeous nose of lead pencil shavings, blackberry, incense, Asian spice, cocoa, plum, and a touch of chocolate and barrique. On the palate, more cassis and blackberry come to the forefront. The wine is unctuous, with adequate acidity and a stunning energy underneath the massive fruit and body. This is a spectacularly fragrant and, at the same time, dense wine, with enough structure (somewhat surprising in this vintage) to last 35-45+ years. The final blend was 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.Inc. VAT£530.39 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 La Muse is developing beautifully. Ripe, ample and voluptuous in the glass, the 2015 exudes character. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2015 has quite a bit of freshness to balance out the ripe, racy Merlot-based fruit. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, mocha and spice notes build into the racy, inviting finish.Inc. VAT£1,118.18 -
(3x75cl) 2015Vinous (95)
The 2015 La Muse is developing beautifully. Ripe, ample and voluptuous in the glass, the 2015 exudes character. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2015 has quite a bit of freshness to balance out the ripe, racy Merlot-based fruit. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, mocha and spice notes build into the racy, inviting finish.Inc. VAT£1,039.22 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Including the highest percentage of Merlot (at the moment anyway), the 2016 La Muse checks in as 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Malbec that spent 15-16 months in roughly 90% new French oak. This magical wine shows how good Merlot (and Sonoma) can be and offers extraordinary notes of crushed violets, spring flowers, scorched earth, graphite, black cherries, and crème de cassis. As elegant and seamless as they come, it’s full-bodied, perfectly balanced, has an incredible spine of acidity and tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. It has the class and purity to drink well even today, but it’s not going to hit prime time for at least another decade and will keep for 3-4 decades. Bravo!Inc. VAT£1,171.63 -
Wine Advocate (99)
“Our Malbec in 2017 was awesome, it usually gives the spice,” Pierre Seillan told me during the tasting of the 2017s with his daughter and one day successor, Helene. “But this year, we didn’t need it. The alcohol is only 14.2% this year—it has the energy, the minerality. I think it will age for 40 years at least. I think it is the best I’ve made.” Composed of 100% Merlot for the first time this year, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Muse rolls sensuously out of the glass with scents of black raspberries, Black Forest cake, boysenberries and cinnamon toast, followed by nuances of a garrigue, forest floor, beef drippings and clove oil. Medium to full-bodied, the richly fruited palate slowly builds in the mouth to a crescendo of black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by exceptionally ripe, round tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Stylistically, it stands apart from previously vintages, possessing the same magical intensity, but with less weight and more pop. 2,500 cases were made.Inc. VAT£332.71 -
Vinous (93-96)
The 2018 La Muse, 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec, is floral, elegant and light on its feet for such a rich wine. Hillside vineyards in Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Bennett Valley confer structure and a good bit of savory intensity. The 2018 is full of intrigue, that much is clear.Inc. VAT£1,547.72 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2019 La Muse offers a luxurious and layered perfume of red apple, sweet tobacco, and fresh leather. The palate is generous, with velveteen texture, noes of cassis, violets, and fresh earth, and a weightless feel. The most open of the three presented by Verite, this is an incredible wine and will be fantastic to check in on over the next two or more decades.Inc. VAT£1,436.74 -
(3x75cl) NVDiscover the exceptional Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV. Created by the renowned Pierre Seillan, this collection of fine wines offers unrestricted luxury encapsulated in every bottle. Each wine is assembled from the diverse micro-crus of the Sonoma county, California, employing traditional Bordelais winemaking techniques. The approach ensures the creation of singular, complex, and balanced wines that reflect their true terroir.
Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV is notable for its elegant composition. With each vintage expressing an opulent blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, they echo the fabled Pomerol wines in Bordeaux. Exhibiting intense fruit flavours, paired with refined tannins and impeccable structure, the collection sums up the craft of the iconic producer.
This assortment is the upshot of winemaking savoir-faire, superior vineyards and a visionary winemaker. Immerse yourself in the grand tradition of fine winemaking with the Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV.
Inc. VAT£1,442.88 -
(6x75cl) 2004Wine Advocate (98)
The first truly profound Le Desir, the 2004, a blend of 49% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits the deepest, most concentrated and multidimensional personality of the first five vintages of this cuvee. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, forest floor, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice and fruitcake. Full-bodied, layered and opulent, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10+ years.Inc. VAT£2,273.39 -
(1x150cl) 2006Vinous (94+)
Bright ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and cedar on the nose. Broad and round but backward, with a distinctly medicinal reserve to the flavors of black fruits, menthol and smoke. The middle palate is currently dominated by the wine's spine and yet the very long finish is lush and sweet. The least obviously minerally of these three 2006s today, but offers great potential.Inc. VAT£587.29 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The fruit for this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec came from Chalk Hill (58%) and Alexander Valley (42%). Pierre Seillan believes the Chalk Hill fruit provides a truffle-like character and the Alexander Valley gives minerality, structure, tannin and intensity. The 2008 will be fascinating to taste next to the 2007 over the next 30+ years. Sweet mulberry, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of black truffles, damp earth and forest floor emerge from this beauty of stunning intensity, purity and texture. The alcohol is 14.4% and the relatively elevated pH is 3.76.Inc. VAT£1,711.24 -
(1x150cl) 2011Vinous (93)
The 2011 Le Desir brings together the aromatics and red-toned fruit of La Muse, but with the slightly greater mid-palate volume of La Joie. Cedar, tobacco, smoke and crushed flowers add an attractive upper register to this soft, forward Cabernet Franc-based red.Inc. VAT£419.21 -
(6x75cl) 2011Vinous (93)
The 2011 Le Desir brings together the aromatics and red-toned fruit of La Muse, but with the slightly greater mid-palate volume of La Joie. Cedar, tobacco, smoke and crushed flowers add an attractive upper register to this soft, forward Cabernet Franc-based red.Inc. VAT£1,333.55 -
(1x300cl) 2012Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The wine has amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notes emerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.Inc. VAT£1,254.83 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The wine has amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notes emerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.Inc. VAT£796.78 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.Inc. VAT£1,301.03 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.Inc. VAT£1,187.98 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.Inc. VAT£583.39 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.Inc. VAT£1,116.98 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.Inc. VAT£475.19 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.Inc. VAT£555.19 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.Inc. VAT£288.40 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.Inc. VAT£818.39 -
(3x75cl) 2016Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The 2016 Le Desir checks in as 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec. Readers looking for world-class Cabernet Franc should beg, borrow, or steal to get hold of a bottle of this. Incredible floral, violet, forest floor, lead pencil, and cassis notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied red that’s flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. More intellectual and elegant than the La Joie, it’s still a wine of incredible intensity and class that builds incrementally on the palate, has an exotic, singular character, and the class to evolve for 30 years or more.Inc. VAT£980.42 -
Vinous (94-97)
For the first time ever, Le Désir is 100% Cabernet Franc in 2018. Vivid and brilliant in the glass, Le Désir bristles with energy. A vivid array of dark fruit, leather, spice, licorice, chocolate and espresso captivates all the senses. The 2018 Le Désir is a very special wine in the making.Inc. VAT£798.70 -
Indulge in the exquisite decadence of the Verset A&E Syrah VdF 2022. Hailing from France's revered Rhône Valley, this ravishing red is a fruit of meticulous viniculture by the Verset family, renowned for their domain knowledge and passion. Expertly vinified using traditional methods, this Syrah is subjected to a lengthy maceration period, followed by maturation in French oak barrels, imparting a robust character.
The Verset A&E Syrah VdF 2022 exudes a deep, ruby-purple hue, promising an unrivalled sensory adventure. The decadent bouquet showcases ripe blackberry, hints of smoked meat, and a whisper of violets, testifying to its opulent Old World roots. The palate hosts an exquisite blend of rich dark fruit flavours, velvety tannins, balanced acidity, leading to a long-lasting, peppery finish. Whether savoured solo or paired with hearty cuisine, the Verset A&E Syrah VdF 2022 delivers an unforgettable wine experience.
Inc. VAT£216.41 -
Vinous (89-93)
Deep ruby-red. Huge, roasted nose features maraschino cherry and an exotic hint of apricot; an obvious low-SO2 sample that could be fresher. Powerful, viscous and full-bodied; impressively concentrated but less vibrant today than the above. Just short of heavy, in the way of so many low-acid special cuvees from superripe fruit. Finishes impressively long and powerful, with tannins buried in fruit. My score may prove to be conservative.Inc. VAT£2,140.18 -
Vinous (93)
Glass-staining purple. Exotically perfumed bouquet of dark berries, flowers and herbs, along with a note of olive tapenade. Very rich, palate-coating cassis and mulberry flavors are complemented by smoky garrigue and dark chocolate, with supple tannins adding support. An emphatically rich wine that stops just this side of over the top, finishing with a strong jolt of smoky Indian spices. This is already drinking well.Inc. VAT£87.86
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Wine Advocate (100)
The 2013 La Muse, like all of the 2013s, comes about one-third from Alexander Valley vineyards, 40-plus percent from Chalk Hill, and the rest Knights Valley and Bennett Valley – all high-elevation hillside vineyards. A blend of 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec at 14.3% alcohol, the wine is amazingly like a great vintage of Petrus, with mulberry, black cherry, licorice, truffle and unctuous, thick, juicy fruit all present in this full-bodied masterpiece. The tannins are still present. The wine has purity and savory presence and is remarkable. The finish goes on for well past a minute. This wine would probably benefit from 5-8 years of bottle age and last 40-50 years.In Bond£456.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2013 La Muse, like all of the 2013s, comes about one-third from Alexander Valley vineyards, 40-plus percent from Chalk Hill, and the rest Knights Valley and Bennett Valley – all high-elevation hillside vineyards. A blend of 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec at 14.3% alcohol, the wine is amazingly like a great vintage of Petrus, with mulberry, black cherry, licorice, truffle and unctuous, thick, juicy fruit all present in this full-bodied masterpiece. The tannins are still present. The wine has purity and savory presence and is remarkable. The finish goes on for well past a minute. This wine would probably benefit from 5-8 years of bottle age and last 40-50 years.In Bond£799.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2014 La Muse (2,800 cases ) is a legendary effort. The wine offers an opaque purple color and a gorgeous nose of lead pencil shavings, blackberry, incense, Asian spice, cocoa, plum, and a touch of chocolate and barrique. On the palate, more cassis and blackberry come to the forefront. The wine is unctuous, with adequate acidity and a stunning energy underneath the massive fruit and body. This is a spectacularly fragrant and, at the same time, dense wine, with enough structure (somewhat surprising in this vintage) to last 35-45+ years. The final blend was 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.In Bond£432.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 La Muse is developing beautifully. Ripe, ample and voluptuous in the glass, the 2015 exudes character. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2015 has quite a bit of freshness to balance out the ripe, racy Merlot-based fruit. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, mocha and spice notes build into the racy, inviting finish.In Bond£918.50 -
(3x75cl) 2015
Vinous (95)
The 2015 La Muse is developing beautifully. Ripe, ample and voluptuous in the glass, the 2015 exudes character. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2015 has quite a bit of freshness to balance out the ripe, racy Merlot-based fruit. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, mocha and spice notes build into the racy, inviting finish.In Bond£858.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Including the highest percentage of Merlot (at the moment anyway), the 2016 La Muse checks in as 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Malbec that spent 15-16 months in roughly 90% new French oak. This magical wine shows how good Merlot (and Sonoma) can be and offers extraordinary notes of crushed violets, spring flowers, scorched earth, graphite, black cherries, and crème de cassis. As elegant and seamless as they come, it’s full-bodied, perfectly balanced, has an incredible spine of acidity and tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. It has the class and purity to drink well even today, but it’s not going to hit prime time for at least another decade and will keep for 3-4 decades. Bravo!In Bond£963.50 -
Wine Advocate (99)
“Our Malbec in 2017 was awesome, it usually gives the spice,” Pierre Seillan told me during the tasting of the 2017s with his daughter and one day successor, Helene. “But this year, we didn’t need it. The alcohol is only 14.2% this year—it has the energy, the minerality. I think it will age for 40 years at least. I think it is the best I’ve made.” Composed of 100% Merlot for the first time this year, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Muse rolls sensuously out of the glass with scents of black raspberries, Black Forest cake, boysenberries and cinnamon toast, followed by nuances of a garrigue, forest floor, beef drippings and clove oil. Medium to full-bodied, the richly fruited palate slowly builds in the mouth to a crescendo of black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by exceptionally ripe, round tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Stylistically, it stands apart from previously vintages, possessing the same magical intensity, but with less weight and more pop. 2,500 cases were made.Inc. VAT£328.80 -
Vinous (93-96)
The 2018 La Muse, 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec, is floral, elegant and light on its feet for such a rich wine. Hillside vineyards in Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Bennett Valley confer structure and a good bit of savory intensity. The 2018 is full of intrigue, that much is clear.In Bond£1,277.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2019 La Muse offers a luxurious and layered perfume of red apple, sweet tobacco, and fresh leather. The palate is generous, with velveteen texture, noes of cassis, violets, and fresh earth, and a weightless feel. The most open of the three presented by Verite, this is an incredible wine and will be fantastic to check in on over the next two or more decades.In Bond£1,183.50 -
(3x75cl) NV
Discover the exceptional Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV. Created by the renowned Pierre Seillan, this collection of fine wines offers unrestricted luxury encapsulated in every bottle. Each wine is assembled from the diverse micro-crus of the Sonoma county, California, employing traditional Bordelais winemaking techniques. The approach ensures the creation of singular, complex, and balanced wines that reflect their true terroir.
Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV is notable for its elegant composition. With each vintage expressing an opulent blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, they echo the fabled Pomerol wines in Bordeaux. Exhibiting intense fruit flavours, paired with refined tannins and impeccable structure, the collection sums up the craft of the iconic producer.
This assortment is the upshot of winemaking savoir-faire, superior vineyards and a visionary winemaker. Immerse yourself in the grand tradition of fine winemaking with the Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV.
In Bond£1,192.78 -
(6x75cl) 2004
Wine Advocate (98)
The first truly profound Le Desir, the 2004, a blend of 49% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits the deepest, most concentrated and multidimensional personality of the first five vintages of this cuvee. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, forest floor, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice and fruitcake. Full-bodied, layered and opulent, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10+ years.In Bond£1,874.23 -
(1x150cl) 2006
Vinous (94+)
Bright ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and cedar on the nose. Broad and round but backward, with a distinctly medicinal reserve to the flavors of black fruits, menthol and smoke. The middle palate is currently dominated by the wine's spine and yet the very long finish is lush and sweet. The least obviously minerally of these three 2006s today, but offers great potential.In Bond£483.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The fruit for this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec came from Chalk Hill (58%) and Alexander Valley (42%). Pierre Seillan believes the Chalk Hill fruit provides a truffle-like character and the Alexander Valley gives minerality, structure, tannin and intensity. The 2008 will be fascinating to taste next to the 2007 over the next 30+ years. Sweet mulberry, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of black truffles, damp earth and forest floor emerge from this beauty of stunning intensity, purity and texture. The alcohol is 14.4% and the relatively elevated pH is 3.76.In Bond£1,410.00 -
(1x150cl) 2011
Vinous (93)
The 2011 Le Desir brings together the aromatics and red-toned fruit of La Muse, but with the slightly greater mid-palate volume of La Joie. Cedar, tobacco, smoke and crushed flowers add an attractive upper register to this soft, forward Cabernet Franc-based red.In Bond£344.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011
Vinous (93)
The 2011 Le Desir brings together the aromatics and red-toned fruit of La Muse, but with the slightly greater mid-palate volume of La Joie. Cedar, tobacco, smoke and crushed flowers add an attractive upper register to this soft, forward Cabernet Franc-based red.In Bond£1,092.00 -
(1x300cl) 2012
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The wine has amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notes emerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.In Bond£1,035.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The wine has amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notes emerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.In Bond£644.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.In Bond£1,073.50 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.In Bond£970.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.In Bond£479.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.In Bond£917.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.In Bond£386.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.In Bond£456.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.In Bond£237.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.In Bond£672.00 -
(3x75cl) 2016
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The 2016 Le Desir checks in as 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec. Readers looking for world-class Cabernet Franc should beg, borrow, or steal to get hold of a bottle of this. Incredible floral, violet, forest floor, lead pencil, and cassis notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied red that’s flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. More intellectual and elegant than the La Joie, it’s still a wine of incredible intensity and class that builds incrementally on the palate, has an exotic, singular character, and the class to evolve for 30 years or more.In Bond£809.00 -
Vinous (94-97)
For the first time ever, Le Désir is 100% Cabernet Franc in 2018. Vivid and brilliant in the glass, Le Désir bristles with energy. A vivid array of dark fruit, leather, spice, licorice, chocolate and espresso captivates all the senses. The 2018 Le Désir is a very special wine in the making.In Bond£656.00 -
Indulge in the exquisite decadence of the Verset A&E Syrah VdF 2022. Hailing from France's revered Rhône Valley, this ravishing red is a fruit of meticulous viniculture by the Verset family, renowned for their domain knowledge and passion. Expertly vinified using traditional methods, this Syrah is subjected to a lengthy maceration period, followed by maturation in French oak barrels, imparting a robust character.
The Verset A&E Syrah VdF 2022 exudes a deep, ruby-purple hue, promising an unrivalled sensory adventure. The decadent bouquet showcases ripe blackberry, hints of smoked meat, and a whisper of violets, testifying to its opulent Old World roots. The palate hosts an exquisite blend of rich dark fruit flavours, velvety tannins, balanced acidity, leading to a long-lasting, peppery finish. Whether savoured solo or paired with hearty cuisine, the Verset A&E Syrah VdF 2022 delivers an unforgettable wine experience.
In Bond£139.00 -
Vinous (89-93)
Deep ruby-red. Huge, roasted nose features maraschino cherry and an exotic hint of apricot; an obvious low-SO2 sample that could be fresher. Powerful, viscous and full-bodied; impressively concentrated but less vibrant today than the above. Just short of heavy, in the way of so many low-acid special cuvees from superripe fruit. Finishes impressively long and powerful, with tannins buried in fruit. My score may prove to be conservative.In Bond£1,745.00 -
Vinous (93)
Glass-staining purple. Exotically perfumed bouquet of dark berries, flowers and herbs, along with a note of olive tapenade. Very rich, palate-coating cassis and mulberry flavors are complemented by smoky garrigue and dark chocolate, with supple tannins adding support. An emphatically rich wine that stops just this side of over the top, finishing with a strong jolt of smoky Indian spices. This is already drinking well.In Bond£70.00
