Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Verite
Label Name:
 
Le Desir
Vintage:
 
2008
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Sonoma County, California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.4%
Grape(s):
 
61% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
100 points — Robert Parker (Wine Advocate), May 2011; 97 points — Wine Enthusiast; widely cited as a top Verité vintage with additional high scores from major critics

Tasting Note
Concentrated black raspberry and black cherry fruit with black truffle, dried herbs, iron/mineral notes and exotic spice. Highly structured, powerful tannins, plush texture and a long, savory finish with cedar and dark chocolate accents.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roast lamb, braised short ribs, venison. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (Cantonese BBQ pork), Korean bulgogi or spicy beef, soy-braised short ribs.

Production Method
Small-lot fermentations with extended maceration; matured in predominantly new French oak barrels (approx. 95% new) for c.16–20 months before blending and bottling.

Vineyard Info
Vérité — a high-end Sonoma producer founded by Jess Jackson, led by vigneron Pierre Seillan. Sourced from Chalk Hill and Alexander Valley sites emphasizing terroir-driven Bordeaux-style blends.