Clos La Coutale Cahors (75cl, 13.5%)

An AOC Cahors red wine blending 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot from the Set Valley. The Bernède family has farmed vines there for six generations, on alluvial soils of gravel and clay-limestone silica. After fermentation the wine ages for one year in casks and barrels, including grand cru barrels sourced from Bordeaux. The nose shows black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, violet, lavender, thyme, wet stone and earthy minerality. The palate has rich black fruit, plum, cherry and blackcurrant, with supple texture, faint oak spice, dark chocolate and firm tannins. The finish is lingering and moderately tannic, with cranberry, black pepper, forest floor and meaty complexity.