This is a new project by Lobo winemaker (and my friend and colleague), Victoria Coleman. Trained at UC Davis and under the mentorship of the likes of Warren Winiarski, Michael Silacci and during the 2008 season at Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Erick Tourbier, she began crafting wine in 2005 and holds the distinction of being the first black woman winemaker in Napa Valley.
Joviah is her own label, recently launched with the following two wines. I got to preview them to assist with the tasting notes.
2022 Sticks 'N Stones Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll District)-
This begins with a reserved nose of dusty spice and wood over aromas of red currant, black cherry, cassis, dried violet and bay leaf. It is accented with more baking spice at the back.
The palate opens into flavors of fresh blueberry jam with red and black currant. It starts with a leaner profile framed by bright acidity, then unfolds into a more voluptuous mouthfeel adding flavors of dark chocolate and cocoa dust, cassis, boysenberry and black plum with suggestions of chocolate mint all over polished tannins. It finishes on darker blue and black fruit notes with some vanilla accents. Throughout, it offers a stony minerality reminiscent of a St. Estephe which is balanced by a dark chocolate-covered cinnamon graham.
2022 Wulff Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Atlas Peak)-
Aromas unfold of blue and black berries, boysenberry, cassis and black plum with black tea and bay leaf over stone with hints of bitter chocolate and turned soil.
It has a vivacious entry with lively acidity over fine, polished tannins and a velvety texture. It offers loads of juicy blue and black fruit flavors along with accents of bay leaf and black tea. There is integrated oak, with underlying espresso and cocoa dust, Ethiopian coffee, kirsch and bittersweet chocolate chip. The juicy acidity is revived mid-palate, balancing the youthful tannins with flavors of spiced plum. It has a persistent finish and though a touch grippy in its youth, is already well integrated.
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