Verite 'Le Desir' 2014

"The 2014 growing season was an exceptional one in Sonoma, with a perfect early bloom matched by a beautiful veraison. It was steadfastly sunny yet not too hot, providing a perfect ripening for Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a longer ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon yielding fruit expressions with elegant and spicy tannins. I consider Sonoma terroir one of the best in the world for Bordeaux blends; it is endowed by complex topography, diversity of soils and an exceptional climate. These elements are all elevated by the influence of the Pacific Ocean, which brings a loyal cooling wind to regulate the temperature every evening. Harvest took place September 3rd through September 20th." – Pierre Seillan, Vigneron

Le Désir—predominantly Cabernet Franc supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — shows layers of concentrated fruit, exotic spice, opulent aromatics and a plush suede texture. Driven by Merlot, this complex and texturally expansive wine offers notes of black fruit, violet, savory spice and cocoa powder. The palate of soils resounds throughout the wine, which displays exceptional balance and length.

99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck     A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    The 2014 Le Désir has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed.

97 Points - James Suckling     This is a solid and structured cabernet franc that is compacted and whole. Lots of blackberry and blueberry character. Orange undertones. Long and flavorful finish. Fantastic tannin structure and freshness with balance. Try drinking in 2021.