2022 Chateau Du Cedre Marcel Malbec, Cahors

Château du Cèdre ‘Marcel’ Malbec is the most expressive and intimate bottling in the estate’s range — a tribute to Marcel Verhaeghe, father of Jean-Marc and Pascal, and the man who laid the foundation for this modern Cahors reference point. It’s crafted from the oldest vines on the estate, planted on the deep gravelly limestone terraces of the Lot Valley, and produced only in top vintages. ‘Marcel’ is Malbec in its purest, most soulful form — unblended, unfiltered, and entirely focused on place and legacy.

The fruit is hand-harvested from low-yielding vines and fermented with native yeasts. Ageing takes place in large oak foudres, not barriques, to avoid excessive oak imprint. There’s no fining, no filtration, and minimal sulfur use. It’s a wine made with restraint and reverence — full-bodied, yes, but also detailed, mineral and layered.

In the glass, it opens with deep, inky colour and aromas of wild blackberry, black cherry, dried violet, fresh leather, and sweet tobacco. As it opens, notes of crushed stone, dark chocolate and forest floor emerge. The palate is concentrated yet remarkably fluid, with mouth-coating tannins, vibrant acidity and a savoury, herbal finish that lingers with finesse. This isn’t a showy wine. It’s powerful but quiet, confident in its structure and its story.

Food pairing: Ideal with venison and juniper sauce, beef daube, roast duck with fig glaze, or a wild mushroom and lentil stew. Aged sheep’s milk cheeses like Ossau-Iraty or Salers are perfect matches.

Cellar potential: Built for the long haul. Drink from 2027, but will evolve for 15 to 20 years with grace, gaining depth, spice and earthy complexity.