Winemaker Notes
Dark and profound with a deep amethyst rim. An intense wine with a large and complex aromatic palette of Gariguette strawberry and raspberry, setting the stage for flavors of aged balsamic, pure cacao and clove. The complexity unfolds with herbal notes of peppermint and cedar but also with floral elements of lilac and violet. This powerful and elegant wine is structured with balanced acidity, minerality, finesse and firm tannins displaying profound density. The long, pure, graceful finish is accented by a touch of black licorice, fresh tobacco, and ripe black plum
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The top wine in the range made in a joint venture between the Bertrand Vigouroux family of Cahors and Sonoma winemaker/consultant Paul Hobbs, this wine is hugely dense. It has powerful tannins along with opulent black fruits and serious concentration. Expect this wine to age for several more years
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Wine Spectator
A generous, ink-textured red that oozes with cherry filling, blueberry reduction and chocolate mousse flavors, underscored by espresso, black olive and mineral details. Full, silky tannins linger with rose petal and licorice snap accents on the finish. Drink now through 2023.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
Within the Southwest of France, this is the one region outside of Argentina that is today almost exclusively dependent on Malbec. Locally the variety is called Cot, and makes a dense, earthy and black fruit dominant red wine. Both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean both have a strong influence on the climate of this region.