SHOP / 2023 Le Dessein GSM
Varietal
44% Grenache
39% Mourvèdre
17% Syrah
Appellation
Columbia Valley AVA
Aging
Drink Now or Age 10+ Years
Vineyard
James
Ciel du Cheval
StoneTree
Boushey
Elephant Mountain
2023 Le Dessein GSM
Columbia Valley AVA
Wine Club Allocation Exclusive
The 2023 Le Dessein is meaty and fruit-driven, marked by savory garrigue notes that make this quintessential Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend stand out. The nose is an enticing combination of brambly, brooding fruit, and bright, higher toned red fruit. These aromas continue onto the palate, alongside flavors of blackberry compote, smoked meats, and black pepper intertwined with fresh raspberry and red plum. The structure is rustic, balanced with firm acid and a juicy quality. Drink with confidence now or cellar for 10+ years.
94 Points
— Wine Spectator
94 Points
Spirited and expressive, this red is packed with personality and detail, showing vivid raspberry and cherry flavors laced with licorice, bacon fat and cracked pepper tones as this builds richness on the finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2035.
December 2025
Additional Scores:
92
Wine Enthusiast
Behind the Wine
2023 Le Dessein GSM
Nowhere is crafting a wine of intention more evident than in Le Dessein (the purpose), a wine mirrored after traditional Southern Rhone-style blends. This wine combines old world characteristics with the focus and ripe terroir of the Columbia Valley. In the true spirit of its namesake, the goal in crafting Le Dessein is for the expression of each varietal to be elevated within the blend. First vintage 2005, (formerly known as Métier).
Vineyards
Ciel du Cheval has a reputation for growing red wine grapes that have intense character and dense but supple tannins.
Winemaking
Cold soaked for 24-36 hours. Fermented on skin 10-12 days. Individual lots aged separately for 15 months before barrel selected for the blend just prior to bottling. 100% neutral barrels, ~12% of which were large format.