Le Désir
2013
Vintage
The 2013 growing season was truly a perfect one in Sonoma County. Very little rain during the winter, along with careful pruning and work in the vineyard, was key to controlling the energy of the vines. The growing season was ideal in terms of temperature: an absence of excessive heat allowed for very even ripening. In the spring, the moisture in the soil and the temperature permitted the vines to build a beautiful canopy from budbreak to bloom. Moderate, steady sunshine and temperatures throughout the whole season and cooler nights in August helped balance the acidity and tannins. The 2013 vintage must be one of the top five vintages of Vérité. The wines are intended to age over the next 20 years or more. Harvest took place September 3rd through September 17th.
– Pierre Seillan, Vigneron
Notes
Brilliant ruby red color. Nose of spices including nutmeg and white pepper. This wine is powerful and elegant at the same time and offers an amazing finesse. The minerality, spices, roundness and ripe fruit notes allow this wine to be enjoyed and appreciated today, but it will be even more delectable in 10–20 years.
Composition
62% Cabernet Franc
22% Merlot
11% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Malbec
Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is a magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.