Le Désir
2003
Vintage
The 2003 growing season was a dry, warm and challenging one. Winter and spring temperatures were mild. Heavy rainfall in November, December and January was followed by a relatively dry February and March. Then heavy rainfall again in April and May led to flowering and set a good crop. A short September heat wave helped finalize the ripening and was balanced by the moderating effect of the cool Pacific nights. Harvest took place September 17th through October 12th.
– Pierre Seillan, Vigneron
Notes
The 2003 Le Désir is muscular and intense. An intense purple hue in the glass barely fades at the rim, in no way showing the wine’s age. Powerful but supple tannin is buoyed by a streak of fresh acidity, enlivening the wine. The palate shows luscious chocolate-covered Bing cherries, black raspberry coulis, dusty earth, mint, cinnamon, clove and rose petals. After forty to fifty minutes in the decanter the wine begins to blossom aromatically, unleashing opulent fruit and baking spice. After another hour, the fruit recedes slightly, and more savory components emerge. – November 2017
Composition
44% Merlot
41% Cabernet Franc
11% Cabernet Sauvignon
4% Malbec
Hints of graphite, mulberries, black cherries, blackcurrants, licorice, dusty loamy soil, truffles and spice emerge from this strikingly fragrant, complex 2003. Full-bodied with formidable intensity, sweet tannin and a long, layered finish that lasts for nearly 50 seconds, this is a tour de force and a compelling 2003. Accessible now, it should continue to drink well for two decades. Bravo!