Georges Vigouroux, Château de Mercuès Grand Vin Cahors 2015, France

Tasting Note: A Cahors that is reserved yet concentrated.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of blackberry, chocolate, dried mushroom, vanilla, blueberry and red cherry.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied Cahors has medium-plus-intensity, black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by velvety, medium-plus tannin and completing with a medium finish.

There are notes of complexity along the midpalate.

The wine is best paired with food rather than enjoyed solely by the glass to complement the tannin structure.

It’s always great to experience malbec from Cahors and compare it to new-world versions.

Bottle Note: Malbec 85%, Merlot 15%. The winemaking uses long contact skin fermentation, and then it’s aged one year in new barrels. This is an extremely well-made wine: rich, intense, and subtle, with a great combination of fruits and spices. Very rich on the palate, it has hints of candied cherry and elegant length . . . This wine will be appreciated with succulent meats, pork belly, roasted lamb, and beef and so on. Also, pair it with cheeses for a delightful result!