Verite Le Desir 2016

Aromas of crushed ripe black currants, stewed sweet plums, and grenadine harmonize with dried thyme, fresh spearmint, and rose petals. On the palate, complex and vibrant layers of black fruit are accompanied by warm toast, vanilla bean, star anise, and fresh clove. A pronounced iron minerality adds to the chorus of electric flavors and textures, which linger for some time after the last sip. Fine-grained tannins complemented by a backbone of acidity offer both an intensity and a freshness, providing a finish that is unique among New World wines. Blend 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 6% Malbec

Critical Acclaim

99 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Composed of 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 6% Malbec, the very deep purple-black colored 2016 Le Dsir is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal absolutely stunning scents of potpourri, roses and orange peel over a core of crushed blackcurrants, black cherries and dark chocolate with touches of cinnamon stick and cloves plus a waft of forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is exquisitely delicate and refined, with super ripe, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing with epic persistence.

99Jeb Dunnuck

The 2016 Le Desir checks in as 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec. Readers looking for world-class Cabernet Franc should beg, borrow, or steal to get hold of a bottle of this. Incredible floral, violet, forest floor, lead pencil, and cassis notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied red thats flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that wont quit. More intellectual and elegant than the La Joie, its still a wine of incredible intensity and class that builds incrementally on the palate, has an exotic, singular character, and the class to evolve for 30 years or more.

96 James Suckling

Aromas of dust, currants and black olives. Full body and round, chewy tannins. This is soft and round textured. Juicy and flavorful at the end. Try after 2022.

93 Wine Spectator

Intense, with dark plum, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors pumping through, scored with bittersweet cocoa, dark tobacco and loam accents on the finish. Muscular for sure, but has serious drive. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Best from 2020 through 2032.