Vérité Wines: In Search of Consistent Perfection

Vérité is a winery in Healdsburg, California that takes on perfection as their goal at every turn. The winemaker himself brings diligence to each step in the winemaking process, even down to the selection of the wood for the barrels. This is their ambition. The efforts are clear – there is a big commitment to quality.

Big, rich, and silky are all words that come to mind as I recall the tasting at Vérité. This is a remarkable winery in their vigilance to represent the terroir and seek a perfect wine. They have been successful to date, as Robert Parker, who is credited with popularizing the 100-point scale, has awarded their wines thirteen 100-point scores. This is the first time a Sonoma County winery has been awarded so many “perfect” scores. This is quite an accomplishment! Many wineries strive for this, yet not many achieve it.

Another question though, why do I put perfect in quotes? Personally, I think it’s ultimately up to the consumer to determine what is perfect. What is it that fits their palate, their pleasure, and their pocket book? Yet there are characteristics that come into play to make a great wine. For example, the wine must be well-balanced with fruit, alcohol, acid, and tannins. It should all be harmonious, beg you back for more, and have a long finish. The one thing I have heard that winemakers agree on is that a long finish is indicative of a well-crafted wine.

What about the wine industry though, and what does Robert Parker say about wines of this score? Here’s a quote from Robert Parker regarding wines that are awarded scores from 96-100 points: “An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety. Wines of this caliber are worth a special effort to find, purchase, and consume.” Parker himself also states that the last 10 points in this scale are indicative of the wine’s potential for aging. Obviously, the longer the wine can age, the greater the potential for a higher score.

So what does this say about the wines of Vérité? Many are extraordinary wines. They will age gracefully for many years and still provide great drinking experiences. They are available through their website; and, when you are in wine country again, schedule a tasting at the winery. Everyone deserves the experience of great wine.

Enjoy!