2000 Verite "La Joie" Sonoma County Red Wine (Very Slightly nicked label)

90+ Points Vinous: "(Seillan's Pauillac blend, with 71% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 2% malbec) Medium ruby. Cool, somewhat medicinal aromas of blackcurrant, bitter chocolate, licorice, minerals and fresh herbs. Bright and dense but quite closed and tannic today; very much in the style of a Northern Medoc wine. Distinctly tough now and in need of at least five or six years of patience. This was far silkier from barrel a year ago, but my early sample contained a much higher percentage of merlot." (05/2003)

From Robert Parker: "Made entirely from Sonoma fruit, this soft, round, fully mature blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc is unlikely to improve any further. From a more challenging vintage (perhaps similar to 2010), this seductive 2000 is one of the most drinkable and charming of these offerings at present. Herbs, underbrush and coffee as well as red and black fruit comprise the bouquet and flavors of this medium-bodied wine." (5/1/2011)