2022 La Joie

76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Third year of drought, despite some rain in December and January. Fruit from Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Chalk Hill, Knights Valley. Harvest 5–14 September. Aged for 16 months in French oak, 95% new. Darker and more structured than La Muse. Correct Cabernet with no excesses. Really lifted and refined. With a fair charge of ripe tannin. Let’s hear it for Sonoma Cabernet! (JR)

The 2022 La Joie is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot matured for 16 months in 95% new French oak. It bursts from the glass with explosive aromas of cassis, garrigue, violet and ferrous undertones. The full-bodied palate offers the same open-knit, blue-black flavors and compelling iron-like mineral character. It’s framed by velvety tannins and vibrant acidity, and has a very long, perfumed finish. Its new-oak spice is already well integrated, and it should be long lived in the cellar. 1,900 cases were made.

Broad, mouth-filling, ripe and rich, with dark fruits like blackcurrants and blueberries on velvety tannins. A full body carries generous chocolate and dark spice flavors, showing impressive breadth and a meaty, almost chewy texture. Expands in power on the palate without losing balance, and lingers long in the finish. Made from cabernet sauvignon and lesser portions of cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot. Drinkable now and best from 2032.