CROCUS LE CALCIFERE
Very high end Cahors Malbec, this is pretty much as good as it gets.
Cahors AOC, France.
2016
14.5% ABV.
100% Malbec
75cl
£36.95
Price includes VAT
Tasting notes:
Deep purple, with touches of fuchsia on the rim. An intense malbec displaying aromas of red cherry, blueberry, rose petal, ripe Italian plum, black liquorice and spice box. The palate is concentrated and bright, cascading with focused flavours of black cherry, red plum, milk chocolate, talc and hints of butterscotch and star anise, supported by fine-grained tannins.
About the wine:
The vines used to make this 100% Malbec wine average between 27 and 35 years old and are Guyot pruned to one arm at a density of 1,619 to 2,453 vines per acre. The grapes are grown on two distinct "Terroirs": Plateau: above the valley floor, with plentiful sun exposure. Rock-strewn surface with two feet of red clay and iron concretions over calcareous flagstone and patches of blue clay. Valley 3rd and 4th Terrace): Situated above the banks of the Lot River the third terrace is composed of sandy-clay soils formed in the Quaternary Period; poor soils with excellent drainage. As for the 4th terrace, it's composed of limestone screw from the plateau and some very ancient alluvial deposit and gravel from the river.
Fermentation in small stainless steel tanks. 3-day cold soak. Punch-downs and pump-overs for optimal soft tannin extraction. Total skin contact 22 days. The wine is barrel aged for 18 months in 50% new, 50% 1-year used French oak barrels.
About the producer:
Crocus is a partnership between internationally renowned winemaker and Malbec specialist, Paul Hobbs and Bertrand Vigouroux, whose family has been producing wine in Cahors since the 1860s. Paul’s work with Malbec in Mendoza, brought world-wide attention to the variety, and provided inspiration for new styles to emerge. Crocus blends a single Malbec clone grown on three historic Vigouroux family properties on distinct terraces of the Lot River Valley. Paul and Bertrand are excited to bring new world innovation and old world tradition together in redefining Malbec de Cahors.
Food match:
Braised leg of lamb, Lamb shanks, Duck confit.
