Crocus Malbec de Cahors 2011
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Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator -
James
Suckling
Product Details
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Wine Enthusiast
One of two wines produced as a joint venture between California vintner Paul Hobbs and Cahors producer Bertrand Vigouroux, Crocus is aged 50% in new wood. It is ripe, smooth and powerful, a dense wine with dusty tannins and dark black plum flavors. It is just about ready to drink.
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Wine Spectator
Full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and a firm, zesty acidity that highlights the raspberry and currant flavors. Fresh herb and floral undertones are accentuated by sweet spice notes that linger on the finish.
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James Suckling
A firm and savory red with ripe strawberry, mineral and terracotta undertones. Full-bodied yet subtle and focused. Lots of firm tannins and bright acidity. Drink or hold. A malbec from California's Paul Hobbs, better known for his top reds from the same grape varietal in Argentina. Made with Paul Bertrand.
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.