Le Désir - Desire

Bound by precision, elegance, and grace, Le Désir is a Cabernet Franc–based blend that exudes high-toned aromatics, an iron graphite core, and pronounced minerality. The opulent bouquet is echoed by layers of concentrated fruit and exotic spice, and complemented with a plush sueded texture. It is a complex symphony, presenting at first a quiet force that will unveil its many delicate and mysterious layers over time.

The 2021 Sonoma County growing season was preceded by a very chilly winter with below average rainfall, marking a second straight year of drought in Northern California. To ensure balance between the vines and available soil nutrients in the coming vintage, our vineyard teams carefully pruned each vine throughout the cold winter months, reducing the number of clusters each would be asked to ripen. Cool temperatures persisted into early spring, pushing Budbreak a bit later than average, but by early May the weather warmed up beautifully, delivering a fine start to the growing season. The summer months brought sunny, warm weather with characteristically cool nighttime temperatures, and only a few minor heat spikes.

The appearance of 2021 Le Désir is defined by a dark ruby-purple center, enveloped by a violet rim. Expressing beautiful aromatics unique to Cabernet Franc, the nose is exuberant with violet blossom, fresh cut greenery, dried black tea, crushed walnut shell, and bright red and black fruits. French oak aging has graced this wine with subtle aromas of ground clove, and cinnamon bark. On the palate, the texture is very firm, but balanced by prominent fruit flavors, along with high-toned oak elements that are spicy and bright. The long finish is savory and marked by petrichor minerality. Age will imbue incredible depth and complexity.