Verite La Joie 2017 750ml

The 2017 vintage of La Joie presents complex aromatics of damson plum, cedarwood, and black olive with nuances of tobacco and clove. The palate stays true to the nose, where these rich flavors are balanced with well-structured tannins and bright acidity. The finish is elegant with persistent flavors that last well-after each taste. A truly remarkable wine that will mature gracefully.

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot

“The Cab Franc was quite spectacular in 2017. There is a bit more in the blend this year,” Pierre Seillan told me during the tasting of the 2017s with his daughter and one day successor, Helene. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2017 La Joie has a very deep garnet-purple color. It opens a little closed and broody, giving glimpses of blackcurrant cordial, espresso, charcoal and black truffles to begin, before blossoming out to a whole array of preserved black and blue fruits, dusty soil, crushed rocks and iron ore scents plus a waft of roses. The medium to full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, with firm, grainy tannins and a lively backbone supporting the muscular fruit, finishing very long and mineral laced. The alcohol weighed in at just 13.9% this year (14% on the label), making for a particularly elegant but no less impactful La Joie! RP 98

An elegant, complex red with currants, blackberries and hints of cedar, graphite and lead-pencil shavings. It’s full-bodied with polished, velvety tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Fluid and refined. 70% cabernet sauvignon 16% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 4% petit verdot. JS 98