Vérité La Joie Sonoma County Red Blend 2011

Weijie Shi (Jay)

Love 11 more than 13

LM Segal

I can't say I wasn't disappointed when we found the '11s presented at Vérité. These were said to be the least impressive of a long line of blockbusters before and after. The Cab dominated blend was awkward to start, but over 2 hours rallied to properly represent the house. Blind against any lesser wine, I think most would guess this a 1st growth from a lesser year. But having previously tasted the best years of this blend, I know it's far from Seillan's brilliant best. Not much on the nose, but dry and nicely articulated, even complex. I sense it will improve for a decade or so, but not nearly as long as the great years - the fruit concentration just isn't there to sustain the tannins. At a place like Vérité, even a lesser tasting is a learning opportunity...

Steve Haro

Ok, bear with me here: tobacco and blue corn enchiladas and Indian spice show strong on the nose. The tannins are a little strong on the palette and the acid is a bit much, but then a strawberry shortcake and mushroom wet earth notes dominate. The finish is blackberry and acid and long.

dk bowman

Focused in glass, subtle wood and faint briar/black berry; cedar, cherry; presents like left bank, though more generous in its youth; 74% CS, 10% CF, 7% MR, 3% MB