2017 Verite, Le Desir, Sonoma County 1x750ml

Robert Parker 98

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: a oeWe make a lot of passes through the Cabernet Franc blocksa 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.a Blended of 80% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot and 3% Malbec, the 2017 Le Desir 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! 2,500 cases were made. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 25/05/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2044