The 2001 Le Desir (50% Merlot 40% Cabernet Franc 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec) came from Alexander Valley Mountain Estate fruit (two-thirds) 30% from Chalk Hill and a tiny dollop from Knight's Valley. The most evolved of these three wines it exhibits complex notes of spring flowers underbrush truffles forest floor camphor and red as well as black fruits. It possesses an opulent full-bodied mouthfeel fabulous purity and density and a long finish. The finish for all three of these wines lasts for close to a minute. Each represents extraordinary craftsmanship and essentially vinous confirmation of the vision of the late Jess Jackson. Those who think too many California wines are over the top may be surprised to know that the 2001 La Muse has a pH of 3.63 and a â_orealâ__ natural alcohol of 14.1%. La Joie's pH is 3.65 and its alcohol is 14.2% and Le Desir's pH is 3.68 and its true alcohol level is 14.1%.