La Joie
2005
Vintage
The 2005 vintage was a beautiful year across all three estates—California, Italy, France—something I have never seen before in my career. The cool weather started with rains in the spring and early summer, which helped to nourish the vines. Spring rains lasted into June, which made for a long bloom and a near-perfect crop set. Summer and fall were comfortable and consistent, allowing even ripening. Harvest took place September 22nd through October 6th.
– Pierre Seillan, Vigneron
Notes
With a lush, opulent texture, this wine epitomizes both the beauty and power of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2005 La Joie is a dark to opaque ruby color. The nose is aromatic, spicy and persistent and enhances the subtle, elegant oak. For the first time, La Joie is composed of all five Bordeaux varieties, which will allow this wine to age for years to come.
Composition
67% Cabernet Sauvignon
12% Merlot
12% Cabernet Franc
7% Petit Verdot
2% Malbec
This multidimensional wine, which enjoyed a 4-5 day cool, pre-fermentation maceration, has a provocative bouquet of blackberry, cassis, new saddle leather, Christmas fruitcake, graphite and high-quality unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is profound, extremely full-bodied and massive in the mouth, but not heavy or astringent in any way. This is perfection in a glass, and a tribute to what Sonoma can achieve. Give this wine another 4-5 years, and drink it over the following 30+ years.