Verite Le Desir 2009

The 2009 Verite Le Desir is a powerful and opulent Sonoma County red blend built around Cabernet Franc. Aromas of black currant, plum, violet, graphite, and exotic spice lead into a richly layered palate of dark berries, cocoa, tobacco, and earthy complexity. Full-bodied with dense concentration, it shows velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, seamless finish with exceptional depth and aging potential.

Food Pairing: Filet mignon, lamb shank, braised short ribs, duck, and aged cheeses.

97 Jeb Dunnuck Pts: "The 2009 Le Desir is mostly Cabernet Franc and is another wine drinking beautifully today. Classic cassis and dark fruits as well as notes of bay leaf, sandalwood, and spice all flow to a full-bodied, elegant, concentrated red that has fine tannin, perfect balance, and one great finish. Drink it over the coming 20-25 years."

93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Pts: "The 2009 Le Desir is a blend of 74% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec. Deep garnet in color, it possesses a maturing, flamboyant nose of plum preserves, mulberries and Black Forest cake with underlying cassis, pencil shavings, tilled soil and fallen leaves scents, plus wafts of leather and tobacco. Firm, medium to full-bodied and densely packed with taut, evolving fruit, it has loads of mineral sparks and a long, chewy finish. 1,500 cases were made."