2014 Vérité Le Désir

99 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck

A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.

98 POINTS

Robert Parker - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed.

97 POINTS

James Suckling

This is a solid and structured cabernet franc that is compacted and whole. Lots of blackberry and blueberry character. Orange undertones. Long and flavorful finish. Fantastic tannin structure and freshness with balance. Try drinking in 2021.

97 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2014 Le Désir is the most inward of these 2014s from Vérité. Dark raspberry jam, wild flowers, spice, pencil shavings, mocha, lavender and licorice infuse this deep, powerful, structured Cabernet Franc-based blend. The interplay of dense, sumptuous fruit and aromatic freshness makes for an absolutely compelling wine.

95 POINTS

William Kelley - Decanter

Captivating notes of black raspberry, woodsmoke, truffle and juicy cherry are the prelude to a savoury, fine-grained wine with juicy acidity, supple tannins and a compelling sense of grace. This is the most fragrant and expressive of Vérité's three cuvées, and one of California's reference points for Cabernet Franc.

95 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

A powerful, explosive wine, the 2014 Le Désir is endowed with a real sense of energy and intensity allied to huge, seamless fruit. Inky blue and purplish berries, crème de cassis, licorice, spice and menthol are super-expressive in a wine that appears to have a very bright future. All the elements come together effortlessly. This is another wine that may well surprise in a few years' time. Points: 94-97

91 POINTS

Wine Spectator

This shows a mix of floral, herb and spice notes out front, followed quickly by cassis and plum puree flavors that streak through a long, polished finish, where the herb accents reemerge. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.