2022 Chateau Du Cedre Cahors Grand Cru, South West France

Cahors is one of France’s great historic homes of Malbec, and Château du Cèdre has been quietly leading its modern revival. Brothers Pascal and Jean Marc Verhaeghe have spent decades refining their vineyards on the limestone terraces above the Lot River, farming organically and focusing on low yields to bring clarity and finesse to a region once known mostly for power. Their Grand Cru sits at the top of the range, drawing from the estate’s finest parcels where soil and exposure deliver both depth and structure.

There is immediate intensity, blackcurrant, dark plum and blackberry, layered with violet and a subtle note of liquorice. Beneath the fruit sits something more serious, graphite, cedar and a gentle earthiness that speaks clearly of place. Oak is handled with restraint, adding spice and polish without overshadowing the core.

The palate is firm and structured, with tightly woven tannins that frame the fruit rather than bury it. There is real drive here, a line of freshness that carries the wine long through the finish, where savoury notes of cocoa, tobacco and crushed stone start to emerge. It feels powerful but controlled, a wine built for time rather than immediate gratification.

This calls for food with a bit of weight. Slow braised lamb shoulder, duck with black olives, or a rich cassoulet all work beautifully, as does grilled beef with rosemary and garlic where the wine’s structure can really shine. There is also a natural affinity with aged hard cheeses, particularly Comté or a well matured cheddar.

Cellaring is where it will truly reward. Give it eight to fifteen years and expect the tannins to soften, revealing layers of truffle, leather and savoury complexity while the fruit settles into something more refined and seamless.