Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Verite |
Label Name: | La Joie Vertical Pack (98/08/18) |
Vintage: | MIXED |
Country: | United States |
Region: | Sonoma County (Mayacamas foothills: Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Knights Valley, Bennett Valley) |
Volume: | 3x 750ml |
ABV: | 13.9-14.4% |
Grape(s): | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec |
Acidity: | 4 |
Tannins: | 4 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 5 |
Aroma Intensity: | 5 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Multiple high scores across vintages: 1998 (WA 94), 2008 (WA 99; Wine Enthusiast 94; 4%), 2018 (Wine Advocate ~98; James Suckling 98–99; Jeb Dunnuck 98). Numerous other vintages earned 97–100 point reviews
Tasting Note
Concentrated blackcurrant and blackberry core with violet, graphite, cedar, tobacco and black truffle notes. Firm, fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and mineral undercurrent lead to a long, savory finish with floral sparks.
Food Pairing
Roasted or grilled beef, lamb rack, venison, mushroom risotto; aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ (galbi), red-braised beef, soy/hoisin glazed short ribs, rich Sichuan braises.
Production Method
Micro‑cru small‑lot vinification with separate fermentation of many parcels; extended maceration; aged ~15–18 months in French oak (high % new oak), then blended after barrel trials.
Vineyard Info
Vérité—founded through a partnership between winemaker Pierre Seillan and the Jackson Family—sources select blocks across Sonoma’s mountain AVAs to craft Bordeaux-style blends since 1998.