2014 Crocus l'Atelier, Paul Bertrand, Cahors, France 6x75cl

Crocus is a partnership between internationally renowned winemaker and Malbec specialist Paul Hobbs and Bertrand Vigouroux, whose family has been producing wine in Cahors, France since the 1860s.

Paul's work with Malbec in Mendoza, Argentina brought world-wide attention to the variety, and provided inspiration for new styles to emerge. The Vigouroux family has over 150 years of experience with Malbec in Cahors, where the grape has flourished since Roman times. Crocus blends a single Malbec clone grown on three historic Vigouroux family properties on distinct terraces of the Lot River Valley. These site are, Haute-Serre, one of the highest plateaus in Cahors, Leret-Monpezat, on the middle terraces of the valley slope which produces floral notes and firm tannins and Mercuès which lies closest to the Lot River and adds dark fruit notes, sucrosity and volume to the blends.

A nearly opaque wine with purple tints, offering a bright and harmonious nose redolent of Morello cherry, black plum and blackberries with a hint of ash and leather. The expansive palate is alive with fresh fig, raspberry and redcurrant finishing with earthy tannins with a touch of freshly cracked pepper. A rustic and well-structured wine, befitting to pair with a variety of cuisines.