Verite La Desir 2017 750ml

2017 vintage Le Desir has a deep-garnet purple color. Complex aromas of plums, cherries, blueberries and dried flowers are complemented by spice notes of cardamom and star anise. At the same time, powerful and yet beautifully elegant, firm fine-grained tannins and layers of fresh blue and red berry fruits provide a finish to the wine that has both persistence and depth.

Blend: 80% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 3% Malbec

What was the secret to achieving such impressive ripeness for Cabernet Franc in 2017? Pierre Seillan’s daughter and one day successor, Helene, told me: “We make a lot of passes through the Cabernet Franc blocks—more than the other varieties. We drop any fruit that is not ripening at the same pace. We don’t pull out too much leaves, we need those for the ripening.” Blended of 80% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot and 3% Malbec, the 2017 Le Désir has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It comes galloping out of the glass with all the grace and precision of a thoroughbred, sporting notions of kirsch, potpourri, warm plums and wild blueberries plus hints of chocolate box, cardamom and star anise. The medium-bodied palate (just 13.9% alcohol) is at once powerful and wonderfully elegant, with firm, very fine-grained, exquisitely ripe tannins and bold freshness supporting the red and blue fruit layers, finishing with incredible length and depth. Wow! RP 98

A very beautiful, succulent red, showing lavender, sage, conifer and rosemary with black and blue fruit. Full-bodied with firm, lightly chewy tannins and a sturdy, very elegant finish. 80% cabernet franc, 17% merlot and 3% malbec. Drink in 2022 and onwards. JS 98