2008 North America

How much fun collectors will have comparing the 2007 and 2008 La Joies over the next three decades. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec (48% from Alexander Valley Mountain Estate, 34% from Chalk Hill and 18% from Knight’s Valley), the 2008 has similar technical numbers to the 2007 (a pH of 3.68 and 14.4% alcohol). Wonderful notes of roasted herbs, asphalt, black truffles, blackberries, cassis, camphor and subtle oak are present in the majestic aromatics. In the mouth, the wine is extraordinarily concentrated, pure and dense with amazing length. It is another 30-40 year wine that confirms the confidence the late Jess Jackson had in both his vineyard sources and his winemaker, Pierre Seillan.  99 points. 
Robert Parker

Monte Bello 2008 is the first vintage with only Cabernet and Merlot in the final blend. 'We think press wines can really make all the difference.' Very firm and savoury with a trace of lively, savoury US oak on the nose at the moment. Beautiful texture, rich and round.
Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com - March 2010

When I first heard about the wine, prior to opening a sample bottle, the concern at the back of my mind was that it was going to be another heavily-manipulated, over-extracted, over-oaked Napa Valley Cabernet, utterly lacking in elegance and finesse. Well, nothing could be further from the truth; the bouquet displays intense aromas of cassis, plum and black cherry, with hints of graphite and crushed rocks.  On the palate the richness fills the mouth, with liquorice notes combining with the dark, berry fruit flavours.  The tannins are very present but are exceptionally well-managed, so no harshness or austerity intrudes.  The finish is extraordinary, with massive length but one is left with an overriding sense of grace and elegance rather than sheer power. In short, this is a wine of sublime sophistication which is highly reflective of its terroir, and is more than a match for top-level Classified Growths of Bordeaux in quality terms.  Can be drunk from 2015 but capable of a further 25 years ageing.

The 2008 IX Estate wine is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. After fermentation the wine spent 21 months in new French oak barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The 2008 En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah offers up notes of tar, licorice, earthy minerals, blueberry, and blackberry. Dense and powerful on the palate, this appears to be Baron’s take on Hermitage. Just another great set of wines from Christophe Baron.
Jay Miller - Wine Advocate #196 - Aug 2011