From my perspective the 2007 La Joie is pure perfection. A Pauillac-like blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot 8% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec it possesses a cedary fruitcake black currant tobacco leaf blackberry and graphite-scented bouquet. Layers of creme de cassis and blackberry liqueur intermixed with scorched earth truffle and toasty characteristics are spectacular as are the multidimensional mouthfeel fabulous purity and a 60-second finish. This 2007 will be accessible in 6-8 years and should drink well for 35-50+ years thereafter. Only those with cold cellars and enormous patience should purchase this modern day legend.The 2007s appear to be the greatest wines Verite has yet produced under the leadership of Jess Jackson and his winemaking guru Bordelais Pierre Seillan. These extraordinary wines built for the long term (much like top Bordeaux) are fashioned from some of the finest fruit sources Jess Jackson owns in Sonoma County. I have purchased and loved these cuvees from the beginning and have followed their aging process (which is glacially slow). Production of these wines is small but not ridiculously so. There are just over 1460 cases of La Muse nearly 2000 cases of La Joie and just under 1900 cases of Le Desir. The 2008s are also strong efforts. Given the fact that Verite's wines often perform better out of bottle than they do from barrel this may be another powerful long-lived vintage.