Domaine Des Bateliers, Cahors 2009, France

Tasting Note: Classic, inky Cahors that is unlike new-world malbec to which you are accustomed.

Experience original malbec before France ceded the grape to the new world.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has a medium-plus-intensity nose of blackberry, black plum, forest floor, blueberry, dried raspberry, black cherry and black currant.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied malbec has medium-plus-intensity, black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and slightly-grippy, medium-plus tannin ultimately completing with a medium-plus finish.

Reserved, restrained black fruit reveals complexity but in an earthy style that is absent the ripe-fruit character of new world malbec.

We all need to be reminded of malbec’s roots in Cahors from time to time so we know the spectrum of flavor the grape can reveal.

Bottle Note: The Burc family has owned and operated Domaine de Bateliers since the 18th century. This wine is made from the oldest vineyards of the area, located along the Lot River, in Puy L’Evêque, in the center of the Cahors region. Clay-limestone soils and excellent sunshine exposure create optimal conditions for the malbec grape to express the best of itself. A deep, dark purple in appearance, the wine shows great aromas of blackberries and blueberries. Elegant and well-rounded in the mouth, it ends on a generous and sophisticated finish. A great discovery indeed.

This wine was submitted for review.