2003 Le Desir
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
My favorite of this trio is the 2003 Le Desir, a Sonoma County St.-Emilion look-alike made from 41% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec (14.3% alcohol). Hints of graphite, mulberries, black cherries, black currants, licorice, dusty loamy soil, truffles and spice emerge from this strikingly fragrant, complex 2003. Full-bodied with formidable intensity, sweet tannin and a long, layered finish that lasts for nearly 50 seconds, this is a tour de force and a compelling 2003. Accessible now, it should continue to drink well for two decades. Bravo! Made by Bordelais winemaker Pierre Seillan, these may be the longest lived red wines in the Jackson family portfolio. All three are sourced from high-elevation Sonoma vineyards owned by the Jacksons, primarily in Bennett Valley, Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley and Knight’s Valley. Tel. (707) 433-9000
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(a St. Emilion-style blend of 44% merlot, 41% cabernet franc, 11% cabernet sauvignon and 4% malbec) Ruby-red. Brooding, perfumed aromas of dark fruits, violet and chocolate. Sweet and intensely flavored, with lively acids framing the currant, black raspberry, mineral and dark chocolate flavors. Very densely packed wine, with the sheer material to support its big, ripe tannins. Give this plenty of aeration if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon. Or, better yet, lay it down for six to eight years.
Deep ruby to the rim. Aromas of blackberry, violet, bitter chocolate and licorice. Huge, broad and silky, with a wonderfully suave texture. Flavors of dark berries, chocolate and mocha. As fat as this is, it's also quite lively. Finishes with uncanny breadth, horizontal tannins and outstanding palate-staining persistence.
About the producer
The winery was the dream of Jess Jackson, the man who founded the incredibly successful Jackson Family Wines. He, however, wanted to produce truly fine wine in Sonoma County.