Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 99
Another great showing for a wine from this vintage, the 2004 La Joie is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The majority of the fruit came from the Alexander Mountain Estate, followed by Knight’s Valley, Bennett Valley and Chalk Hill. Full-bodied, powerful and concentrated, it is richer than either the 2003 and 2001, and comes closer to the 2002’s personality. Sweet notes of caramels, espresso roast, forest floor, camphor, plums, chocolate and blackberries emerge from this full-bodied, unctuously textured, chewy, fleshy 2004. It requires another 3-5 years of bottle age and should keep for two decades or more. Tel. (800) 273-0177; Fax (707) 431-1261
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037
Vinous 96+
(14.3% alcohol): Dark, bright, youthful ruby. Ineffable aromas and flavors of dark berries, black cherry, minerals and brown spices. Suave and wonderfully silky, communicating an impression of power with finesse. Like Le Désir, this is not overly sweet but boasts a wonderfully fine-grained texture and outstanding inner-mouth lift. The juicy, very slowly mounting finish features serious but seamless, pliant tannins and outstanding length, with a late suggestion of licorice.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2032
