Wines of FreshDirect: Meaty Red Cahor-bavor

Posted by Eric Hazard | No Comments

The red-headed step child to France’s favorite red wine producing children, Bordeaux and Burgundy, the region Cahors is producing quality red blends of their grapes—malbec, merlot and tannat—that has a lot of value-oriented consumers taking them seriously. In that vein, Georges Vigouroux’s blend does well for itself at a low price point. Wine Spectator gave this a respectable 87 points. While I liked it, I’m not sure if I liked it that much.

Winery: Georges Vigouroux Le Gouleyant
Grape: Malbec
Region: Cahors, France
Year: 2005

Source: FreshDirect.com
Price: $11

Color: Dark plum

Nose: When I first plunged my nose into the glass most prevalent were raspberry, cherry, plum, allspice, and vanilla. These notes are then later joined by anise, orange zest and a slight waft of alcohol.

Taste: Upfront, cranberry and black pepper join a light acidity. The full-bodied wine moves through the mouth clumsily, as it seems to step on its heavily tannic body. Mid-palate, there appeared the flavor of strawberry fruitabu, with plum, licorice and raisin flavors. The wine finishes with berry fruits and lingering tannins.

What I like: At $11, this wine has a lot to offer, particularly if you are considering a meat-and-potatoes kind of meal. It’s what some might call a real “meaty” wine. Let it breathe for a bit first, though.

What I don’t like: Folks, you really have to like your tannins if you are going to enjoy this wine. Straight out of the bottle, the tannins served to pull my face in on itself. As the wine breathed, the tannins smoothed out. While it can be an enjoyable drink today, I would recommend letting this one chill in the cellar for a couple years and then opening it up.

Comments