- The three-pack collection case has been released internationally at £900.
- The 2018 La Muse received 100-points from The Wine Advocate.
- Critically acclaimed vintages that offer value include 2007, 2012 and 2013.
Jackson Family Wines’ Vérité 2018 three-pack assortment case, consisting of La Muse, La Joie and Le Désir, has been released at £900 (3×75). Its release price of £3,600 per 12×75 represents a 6.2% decrease on the 2017’s initial offer (£3,840).
La Muse – “electrifying”
The 2018 La Muse is a ‘Right-Bank Bordeaux’ blend, consisting of 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. It is the only wine from the collection to achieve a perfect score from a major critic.
The Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW awarded it 100-points, and called it, “Electrifying!”. “The intensity and complexity of aromas and flavours – all waltzing in captivating harmony – cannot fail to make your head spin in the best possible way,” she explained in her tasting note.
James Suckling gave it 98-points and described it as, “full-bodied, yet so in check with a great finish […] Intellectual, compared to past vintages”.
It also received 93-96 points from Antonio Galloni (Vinous), who said that the 2018 is “full of intrigue”.
Jane Anson gave it 93-points and said that it was “showcasing the winemaking skills of Pierre Seillan”.
La Joie – “breathtaking”
The 2018 La Joie is inspired by Left Bank Bordeaux, and is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec.
Perrotti-Brown gave it 98-points and called it “breathtaking”.
The wine received its highest score of 99-points from Suckling, who described it as “seamless” and explained that “this will age incredibly well, but already so gorgeous to try”.
Galloni, meanwhile, gave it a barrel range of 94-97, noting that “the 2018 La Joie exudes class from the very first taste”.
Anson awarded it 95-points, saying that “the precision, and the carefully placed tannins become clearer as it opens”.
Le Désir – “vivid and brilliant”
Le Désir is a Cabernet Franc-dominated (82%) blend, with 12% Merlot and 6% Malbec. The 2018 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc to date, which is increasing annually as the vines reach maturity.
The wine received 97+ points from Perrotti-Brown, who noted that that “it may require just a little more time to come around than the La Joie and La Muse, and then I suspect this beauty is going to reward the patient”.
Suckling gave it 97-points and Galloni – a range of 94-97. According to Galloni, “Le Désir bristles with energy”.
Le Désir was also Anson’s highest-scoring wine from the 2018 collection, awarding it 97-points. She called it “the most successful of the three in this vintage” for her.
Where is the value?
At this price level, the 2018 Vérité collection sits above all other back vintages.
Buyers might find value in the 2012 vintage, with two 100-point wines – Le Désir and La Joie – all available for under £2,400 per 12×75.
Similarly, the 2013 vintage looks attractive, with 100-points from The Wine Advocate for both La Joie and La Muse.
Another stand-out vintage is 2007, where all three wines have received 100-points from The Wine Advocate. They are all available for under £3,000 per 12×75 case.
Read our interview with Barbara Banke, Chairman and Proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, here.
