Château Chambert, La Tour Chambert Cuvée Des Hauts Coteaux Cahors 2013, Cahors, France

Tasting Note: An austere malbec and merlot red blend from Cahors that contrasts with malbec and malbec blends from the new world to which many of us have become accustomed.

Medium-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of red plum, black currant, strawberry and blossom.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied red blend reveals restrained, tart, red-and-black fruit flavors suggested on the nose underpinned by medium-acidity and grippy, medium-plus tannin.

The wine does not present ripe-fruit flavors like one finds in new world malbec.

There is midpalate concentration and enough tannin that you could drink it now, or it could improve with age.

Bottle Note: The Chambert Tower “La Tour de Chambert” and vineyard sit high on the hills of Cahors, South-West France. The old vines grow on exceptional white calcaire and red, iron-rich clary and benefit from ideal sun and wind exposure. This 70% malbec and 30% merlot blend has lovely red fruit aromas, a long finish of fine tannins and can be aged for 4-6 years. Enjoy this wine with red meat and/or spicy dishes.