Le Désir
2016
Vintage
The 2016 growing season proved, once again, the importance of pruning. By adapting our pruning techniques to each micro-cru, after several years of drought, we worked in concert with Mother Nature to produce grapes that would result in elegant, age-worthy wines in the signature style of La Muse.
While we experienced some heat spikes in July, the temperatures during the summer growing season were moderate with some cooler days in late August. This provided the ideal conditions for slower ripening, resulting in less sugar accumulation and producing good acidity in the grapes.
Notes
Aromas of crushed ripe blackcurrants, stewed sweet plums, and grenadine harmonize with dried thyme, fresh spearmint, and rose petals. On the palate, complex and vibrant layers of black fruit are accompanied by warm toast, vanilla bean, star anise, and fresh clove. A pronounced iron minerality adds to the chorus of electric flavors and textures, which linger for some time after the last sip. Fine-grained tannins complemented by a backbone of acidity offer both an intensity and a freshness, providing a finish that is unique among New World wines. - Tasting date: May 2019
Composition
82% Cabernet Franc
12% Merlot
6% Malbec
Composed of 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 6% Malbec, the very deep purple-black colored 2016 Le Désir is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal absolutely stunning scents of potpourri, roses and orange peel over a core of crushed blackcurrants, black cherries and dark chocolate with touches of cinnamon stick and cloves plus a waft of forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is exquisitely delicate and refined, with super ripe, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing with epic persistence.
Aromas of dust, currants and black olives. Full body and round, chewy tannins. This is soft and round textured. Juicy and flavorful at the end. Try after 2022.