Bench mark n : a point of reference from which measurements of any sort may be made. -- That's what the dictionary says and this wine is truly a benchmark Malbec. Cahors lies along the River Lot in southwest France. Over the millennia, the meandering river has created unique soils, rich in both limestone and iron, that yield powerful, distinctive wines. The Malbec grape thrives here. Though Argentina has laid claim to this pedigreed grape, it was brought to Argentina because it made such fine wine in Cahors. Our featured 2005 Cahors from Château St. Sernin, is a beautifully balanced example.
The '05 Château St. Sernin Cahors is an impressive wine all around. The bouquet is lovely, with blackberry and cherry scents enhanced by elements of vanilla, black pepper, earth, iron and subtle spice. The flavors unfold to reveal a delicious layering of pure, ripe cherry, raspberry and currant fruit underlain by nuances of vanilla, earth, black pepper and allspice. The finish is spicy, intriguing and long. Nicely maturing now with five years of barrel and bottle age, this benchmark Cahors will clearly grow and improve for another 4-6 years and beyond.