2015 Vérité La Joie 2015 5000mL

99 POINTS

Robert Parker - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Seillan said that 2015 (which was still in barrel at the time of my tasting) was the finest vintage of his lifetime, which is strong praise indeed. Certainly, he has three titanic wines aging in the wine cellars. The 2015 La Joie (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) has an intensity that is off the charts, and that’s saying something, given how concentrated these wines tend to be. An enormous, colossal example of wine, with an opaque purple color and an intense nose of black fruits, camphor, forest floor and graphite, the wine is super-pure, very full-bodied, with intense levels of glycerin and richness. The finish goes on for a good 60+ seconds. This should turn out to be utterly profound. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+.

99 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2015 La Joie features a very deep purple-black color and almost electric nose of crushed blackcurrants, ripe black cherries and mulberries with sparks of raspberry pie, wild blueberries, unsmoked cigars, charcuterie and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied and charged with the most amazing energy, the youthful, vibrant black-fruited palate is framed by very firm, very finely grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing with lingering crushed stones and earth layers. 4,000 cases produced.

98 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

Never any question that this is a wine built with impact and seduction in mind. It’s so cleverly constructed that you almost don’t notice how it contracts as the tannins take hold, drawing out the whole experience. Clear elegance with tiny kicks of minerality that pulse and lift upwards through the palate, setting the rich cassis fruit alive. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot.

97 POINTS

James Suckling

This is a beautiful cabernet sauvignon-based red with blackcurrants, blueberries and a light mint character. Full-bodied, firm and tight with a compressed fruit structure and polished tannins. Extremely long and focused. A beautiful wine. Mostly cabernet sauvignon. Drink in 2021.

96 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

Vérité's 2015 La Joie is deep, powerful and structured, with tons of Cabernet savoriness running through a core of intense, dark fruit. Grilled herbs, leather, menthol and licorice all develop in the glass. Sumptuous and yet also structured, La Joie is another winner from Vérité.

95 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

Dark red stone fruit, blueberry jam, mocha, leather and cedar make a strong first impression in the 2015 La Joie. Powerful, voluptuous and also quite structured, the 2015 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Points: 94-97

Wine Spectator

Features a bright savory note up front, followed by a mix of cherry, blackberry and plum puree flavors. The well-roasted cedar edge winds up lingering longest in the end. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Jancis Robinson

Intense crimson. Pretty sweet and rich with a bit of angularity on the end. Tannins are pretty obvious at the moment and the finish is notably drying, but maybe that means it will age well ? Drink 2019-2025 17/20