Le Desir, Vérité Winery 2018

Composed of 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 6% Malbec, the 2018 Le Désir was aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little closed to begin, soon unfurling to offer glimpses at notes of kirsch, raspberry preserves and mulberry scents, plus hints of cedar chest, crushed rocks, bay leaves, Sichuan pepper and lavender with a waft of sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate has tons of freshness to support the melange of preserved red and black fruits, textured by grainy tannins, finishing with a lingering peppery kick. It may require just a little more time to come around than the La Joie and La Muse, and then I suspect this beauty is going to reward the patient.

Cabernet Franc dominant, with touches of raspberry leaf, rosemary and sage, mouthwatering acidities. A lovely tension and grip runs right through the palate. Floral edged with peony and curled woodsmoke highlights the depth through the core. Deftly made by Pierre Seillan, showcasing an excellent lightness of touch without sacrificing tension, and for me the most successful of the three in this vintage.