2001 Verite "La Joie" Sonoma County Red Blend (Nicked Label)

95 Points Vinous: "Bright medium red-ruby; not hugely saturated. A bit darker and more minerally on the nose than La Muse but still with a slightly sauvage quality to its aromas of black raspberry, spice cake, underbrush and coffee. Thick and rich on entry, then fairly large-scaled, sweet and deep in the middle palate. A step up in texture, depth and size from La Muse, showing a darker, more medicinal character to its blackberry, black cherry and dark chocolate flavors and perhaps greater potential longevity. Ultimately quite structured and uncompromisingly dry, finishing with slowly mounting, echoing length and serious but nicely buffered dusty tannins that should continue to soften with cellaring. I find this sweeter for a Médoc blend than La Muse is for a Pomerol. A superb showing, and full of life." (05/2020)

95+ Points from Robert Parker: "The 2001 La Joie (71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) remains a backward, youthful wine revealing an inky/purple color as well as notes of graphite, licorice, creme de cassis, truffles and new saddle leather. It has fabulous fruit on the attack and mid-palate, a massive, concentrated, tannic mouthfeel and a long finish. Even younger than La Muse, it needs another decade of cellaring and should age for 40-50 years thereafter. Pierre Seillan told me that 44% of the grapes came from Alexander Valley, 35% from Knight’s Valley and the rest from Chalk Hill." (5/1/2011)

From Wine Spectator: "Subtle herb and mocha aromas carry over to the palate, where the earthy currant and cedar flavors are firm, with a tannic structure. A Bordeaux-like interpretation of Sonoma County Cabernet. Rich, concentrated and tightly wound. Needs time."