Reviews & Ratings

2008 Jeff Gordon Red Blends or Varietals "Joie de Vivre"

Winery: Jeff Gordon

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Joie de Vivre"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot & 10% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $61

Cases produced: 254

KWG Score: 87 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (88)

Review date: August 7, 2013

Wine Review: This slightly opaque and dark ruby colored red wine opens with a blueberry and boysenberry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, juicy, fruit forward and touch hot. The flavor profile is blueberry and blackberry blend with mild oak that is nicely integrated. I also detected a good dose of black pepper. The finish is dry and its flavor and moderate tannins drift away nicely. This wine would pair very nicely with slow cooked braised short ribs. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2008 vintage produced some truly beautiful wines. Quality from this vintage is considered very high- the only challenge being the lack of quantity. With one of the harder frosts to date, crop levels were small. With its low yield, the Cabernet's mountain fruit produced an intense and complex wine which gives this Joie de Vivre an essence of earth and anise spice. The Merlot contributes a lovely complexity with its soft fruit character, round tannin, and herbal notes. The Syrah adds bramble berry fruit, firm tannin, and acidity to the overall blend. The 2008 Joie de Vivre can complement a variety of different food dishes and is presently ready to drink, but has been crafted to enjoy for years to come.

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