Verite ‘La Joie’ 2014

Introduction

“The 2014 growing season was an exceptional one in Sonoma, with a perfect early bloom matched by a beautiful veraison. It was steadfastly sunny yet not too hot, providing a perfect ripening for Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a longer ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon yielding fruit expressions with elegant and spicy tannins. I consider Sonoma terroir one of the best in the world for Bordeaux blends; it is endowed by complex topography, diversity of soils and an exceptional climate. These elements are all elevated by the influence of the Pacific Ocean, which brings a loyal cooling wind to regulate the temperature every evening. Harvest took place September 3rd through September 20th.” Pierre Seillan, Vigneron

The structure and integrity of Cabernet Sauvignon is on full display in this remarkably complex and layered wine. Cassis, tobacco box and truffle unite in a powerful testament to the varietal.Born in the gravelly, volcanic soils of Sonoma county, the voice of this terroir will echo from thebottle for decades to come.

97+ Points – Robert Parker Wine Advocate –The 2014 La Joie has a spicy black purple color and a big, sweet kiss of camphor, black truffle, pen ink, blackcurrants and unsmoked cigar tobacco, followed by layers of fruit and glycerin in an opulent, beautifully savory, pure and multidimensional wineThis is a compellingly great effort once again. It should be given 2-5 years of bottle age, then drunk over the following three decades.

97+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck The estates Cabernet Sauvignon dominated release is the 2014 La Joie and its an incredible wine based on 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot. Reminding me of a top vintage of Ducru-Beaucaillou (the 2010?) with its incredibly classic Cabernet character, it offers thrilling notes of crme de cassis, exotic flowers, liquid rock-like minerality, and graphite and lead pencil nuances. Deep, concentrated, and backward, it has perfect balance, good acidity, and an undeniable Bordeaux-like weight and texture. Its nowhere near primetime and needs 5-7 years of cellaring and is going to keep for three decades.

97 Points – Vinous The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vrit’s Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.

96 Points – James Suckling Aromas of lead pencil, graphite and hot slate. Blackcurrants, too. Full-bodied, very tight and tannic. Linear and driven on the finish. Very fresh and energized. Racy and focused. Needs three to four years to come around completely. Try in 2021.