Le Désir
2023
Vintage
The months following completion of the 2022 harvest saw cool weather with the return of abundant rainfall, breaking the ongoing drought, and reinvigorating the energy in our vineyard soils. This cold, wet weather persisted deep into the spring of 2023, delaying budbreak and flowering, though by mid-May the rains subsided, and gentle, warm weather set in. Although the season was several weeks later than average, the growing conditions throughout summer and fall were ideal, allowing slow phenolic maturation of the fruit, with gentle accumulation of sugars. Harvest lasted over a month, beginning with Block 601 Merlot on September 25, and concluding when our last micro-cru was brought in, on October 31. The wines of Vérité from this long, cool vintage are endowed with the freshness, balance, and structure to age for a very, very long time.
Notes
2023 Le Désir wears a deep, black violet core that nearly eclipses its narrow violet-purple rim. The nose reveals black plum, ripe blackberry, and red currant, with roasted fennel bulb, fresh violet, and subtle evergreen. Additional elements of white pepper, baking cocoa, and toasted spices identify time spent in French oak cooperage. The palate opens with a generous, mouth-filling fruit presence which is immediately countered by driving acidity and firm tannins, defining this wine’s character with tension, power, and precision. The finish is marked by ferrous minerality, freshly cut stems, and a final whisper of supple fruitiness.
— Tasting Date: January 2026
Composition
85% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 5% Malbec
So pretty, layered, elegant and sophisticated, showing distinctive, delicious dark fruit with spices and savory notes. Aromas and flavors move from rose petals, violets, red and black cherries, blackcurrants and orange peel to herbs and nutmeg. Well-balanced with a lacy texture of firm, fine-grained tannins that are smooth and silky. Drinkable now and best from 2030.