2014 Pech Petit Malbec

Domaine Capelanel. Established in 1878, this 14 hectare estate near the village of Fages boasts 70+ year old Malbec vines grown on sidèrolithique (high iron content / weird orange colour) soils. Fifth generation winemaker Sébastien Dauliac is making dark, ripe, sultry wines that are lively yet under-stated. Well done Sébastien; this is the new Malbec!

17/20 Jancisrobinson.com
A quiet nose, in which you can just catch very dark chocolate over plums with a crumble of beef stock cube. Much more tannic, dry and textured in the mouth than the non-oaked cuvées but the tannins are tailored and long and slim, strong seams sewn into impeccably and tightly woven fabric. Freshness blowing along the length, cool and elegant. Again, not as long as would suit a wine of this calibre, but with food you'd hardly notice. I love the little crackle of autumn leaves and mushrooms building on the finish. (TC)