The perfect winter warmer has arrived. Château de Chambert’s Grand Vin 2017 is from an estate with over a millennium of history in Cahors, the famed home of Malbec in south-west France. Compared to Argentinian Malbecs, French Malbec is denser and darker, with a muscular frame, vibrant acidity and super-fine tannins. In recent years, ‘a wave of innovative vignerons has breathed new life into Cahors’ (Decanter).
The Grand Vin 2017 has entered a sublime drinking window after spending more than eight years in bottle. Lovers of Bordeaux and Châteauneuf rejoice! Stylistically, it sits comfortably between the two regions, showcasing the variety’s deep, rich character while retaining a nimble palate and plenty of fruit energy. Luscious notes of black cherry, plum, leather, pepper, cocoa and potpourri lead to dense, grippy yet well-integrated tannins and a long finish.
Château de Chambert has been farming organically and biodynamically for three decades. The grapes are sourced from vineyards planted 40 years ago on a limestone plateau at around 300m altitude, with naturally low yields. Following natural fermentation in concrete tanks, the wine spends 12 months ageing in large oak casks.
‘Often overlooked for Argentina, Cahors is producing consistently high-quality wines that offer unique expressions of the variety’ (Decanter). If you’ve yet to experience French Malbec, there are few better places to start – especially from a vintage that’s showing exceptionally well.
Tasting Notes:
Château de Chambert Grand Vin de Chambert 2017
‘An impressive, wood-aged wine that has rich black fruits and dense and concentrated tannins. It comes from a selection of the estate’s best parcels, allowing for a wine that is powerful and dark, needing further aging. Drink from 2024.’ – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 94/100
