Vérité Le Désir 2002

wa97st93

BN#191146

Vérité

A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Le Desir represents the grace and opulence of the best St. Emillion-style wines. A deep claret color is followed by a spicy floral fragrance, with vanilla and oak notes in the background, characteristic of Cabernet Franc. The balance between the power of the fruit and the subtle complexity of the flavors is captured when bright red cherry notes veer towards darker plum and fig tones, with spice and cinnamon on a very long finish.

Wine Advocate

Complimentary adjectives are almost inappropriate for the extraordinary complexity, fabulous richness, and sheer nobleness and beauty of the 2002 Le Desir (52.7% Merlot, 41.2% Cabernet Franc, and tiny percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec). Dense aromas of creosote, burning wood embers, blackberries, blueberries, and violets are offered in the full-bodied, fabulously complex perfume. Full-bodied, with tremendous complexity, a voluptuous texture, and flavors of plum liqueur, figs, chocolate, espresso, and minerals, this is a tour de force in winemaking. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.

Score: 97. —Robert Parker, February 2005.

International Wine Cellar

Dark ruby-red. Black cherry, mocha and licorice on the nose. Ripe, broad and dry; suave and sophisticated. Flavors of red berries lifted by floral and mineral components. Densely packed, backward wine, finishing with substantial dusty tannins.

Score: 93. —Stephen Tanzer, May 2005.