🏰 The 2018 growing season in Sonoma County was long, cool, and even, with no heat or smoke, allowing for optimal phenolic ripeness while preserving floral and herbal notes. The 2018 Le Désir is described as more restrained and flavorful than warmer vintages, with savory notes. It's a blend of 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec, aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak. 🍴 Cabernet Franc's herbaceous and floral flavors suit savory, deep dishes and protein. Suggested pairings include lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, duck breast with black cherries, or grilled ribs with simple salt seasoning. 🥂 This wine is suitable for special occasions, fine dining, or for collectors looking to cellar a high-quality Bordeaux blend. It's drinkable now with aeration but will improve with age. It has a dark inky appearance with a violet hue. The nose and palate express crunchy cranberry, ripe raspberry, red currant, dried sage, crushed mint, and cinnamon bark, followed by spice cake, subtle vanilla liquor, and singed toast. Jeb Dunnuck rated it 98+, noting a classic Cabernet Franc nose of red fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, cedary spices, and truffle, with 【 incredible elegance and purity 】. James Suckling gave it 97 points, highlighting blackberry, violet, and crushed stone on the nose, with a full-bodied palate, firm, tight, and integrated tannins, and a long finish. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also scored it 97, mentioning kirsch, raspberry preserves, mulberry, cedar chest, crushed rocks, bay leaves, Sichuan pepper, and lavender. The persistent finish and bright acidity suggest good aging potential.