CLOS LA COUTALE 2008 MALBEC - CAHORS, SOUTHWEST FRANCE 750ML

This red has a fruity aroma, with plenty of snap to the red plum, berry and licorice flavors. Well-balanced and focused, with a finish of dark chocolate. Drink now through 2014. 10,000 cases imported.

A fantastic follow up to the 2007 vintage which made the list for the top 100 wines of 2009....

Winemaker Notes - For decades Kermit Lynch has worked with Coutale, currently managed by a very cool Philippe Bernède, who don't consider 'prodigious concentration' and 'sledgehammer on the palate' positive reviews. Philippe has reduced the proportion of Tannat in the blend over the years, preferring a wine with more balance and immediate pleasure, so the blend is now predominantly Malbec (with a touch of, gasp, Merlot - is that still a cuss word?). Don't let the 'feminine for Cahors' bit trip you, though. This is a deeply hued wine with a big, round palate and plenty of meaty tannin. It just happens to be even more versatile at table than usual.