2004 Le Desir
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Tasting notes
Smoky tones, fine furry texture with glossy fruit. Finely polished. Perhaps just a little bit overripe for me. Serious wine, no doubt, just not in my comfort zone. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
(14.7% alcohol): Bright medium ruby. Kirsch, mocha and brown spices on the nose. Large-scaled, rich, sweet and powerful; can't quite match the nuance of La Joie but boasts powerful medicinal reserve. Today this is almost more Pauillac in style than La Joie, no doubt due to its sizable and very firm Cabernet Franc component. Finishes classically dry, with explosive black cherry fruit. All three of these Verité wines possess terrific energy, but this one is the most backward of the trio.
(14.7% alcohol): Bright medium ruby. Kirsch , mocha and brown spices on the nose. Large-scaled, rich, sweet and powerful; can't quite match the nuance of La Joie but boasts powerful medicinal reserve. Today this is almost more Pauillac in style than La Joie, no doubt due to its sizable and very firm Cabernet Franc component. Finishes classically dry, with explosive black cherry fruit. All three of these Verité wines possess terrific energy, but this one is the most backward of the trio.
The first truly profound Le Desir, the 2004, a blend of 49% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits the deepest, most concentrated and multidimensional personality of the first five vintages of this cuvee. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, forest floor, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice and fruitcake. Full-bodied, layered and opulent, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10+ years. Tel. (800) 273-0177; Fax (707) 431-1261
About the producer
The winery was the dream of Jess Jackson, the man who founded the incredibly successful Jackson Family Wines. He, however, wanted to produce truly fine wine in Sonoma County.