Le Désir
2015
Vintage
The winter of 2014-2015 was another mild and dry one, which included only two weekend rainstorms. Budbreak came in mid-March and the vines began to bloom early – at the end of April. A cool April and May with some rainy spells meant that bloom did not finish until June. A warm and dry June led to a July veraison kickoff. Vigneron Pierre Seillan recalls that of his 49 vintages, 2015 was the first to begin picking in August – August 31st to be precise. Harvest lasted 12 days and finished on September 12th. Although yields were low, the quality of the grapes in this vintage was outstanding.
Notes
The hallmark of the 2015 Le Désir is its structured and precise palate. There is a line here, a balance between softness and hardness: iron-rich, rocky minerality, aromas of new leather and cigar, the clear, driving expression of bright red fruit.
Wild blackberries, cherries, and crisp apple join with the signature herbal tone of Cabernet Franc. Fresh, subtle pea shoots and heirloom tomato vine, notes of red licorice and tobacco box pave the way to a linear, silky finish, resounding with a floral bouquet of lilacs and violets.
Remarkably expressive in its youth, Le Désir is a multi-layered and complex wine. Its depths will unfold for ages. - August 2017
Composition
64% Cabernet Franc
27% Merlot
5% Cabernet Sauvignon
4% Malbec
A blend of 64% Cabernet Franc, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Le Désir is a little reticent at this very youthful stage, offering glimpses at dusty soil, iron ore, black truffles and salami notes over a core of red currant jelly, black raspberries, blackberries and star anise plus a waft of roses. Medium-bodied, very firm and very elegant yet incredibly intense in the mouth, it delivers loads of red fruit and earthy layers, finishing with great length and depth.
Love the aromas of black cherries and blackberries, violets and roses. Stunning. Full-bodied, layered and dense with focus and precision. Full tannins, yet compressed and polished. A great cabernet franc-based red. Give this four to five years of bottle age before drinking but already beautiful to taste.