Verite Le Desir 2017

The 2017 Verite Le Desir is a refined and expressive Sonoma County red blend with a strong Cabernet Franc core. Aromas of black currant, violet, graphite, and crushed herbs lead into a layered palate of dark berries, cocoa, spice, and mineral notes. Medium to full-bodied with remarkable balance, it offers fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, elegant finish with impressive aging potential.

Food Pairing: Pairs best with filet mignon, lamb rack, duck breast, braised short ribs, and aged cheeses.

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Lastly, the 2017 Le Desir is 80% Cabernet Franc, with the balance mostly Merlot mixed with a splash of Malbec. It has a wonderful Cabernet Franc floral character as well as awesome black raspberry, cedarwood, forest floor, violets, rose petals, new leather, and who knows what else. Incredibly complex, it takes lots of air to show at its best and is medium to full-bodied, has a bright spine of acidity, fabulous tannins, and a great, great finish. The elegance of this wine paired with its richness and depth is something to behold. It’s another damn near perfect wine from this estate, and to see this quality from a challenging vintage like 2017 boggles the mind. Hats off to the father-daughter team of Pierre and Hélène Seillan. 

98 Points - James Suckling

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.

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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!