Clos d'Audhuy - Malbec de Cahors 2019
Clos D'Audhuy is located in the west part of Cahors, in the village of Lacapelle-Cabanac. The 6 hectare estate is run by thrid generation proprietor Benoit Aymard. Benoit only uses organic practices in the vineyard and has now started the process to get the certification. The vineyards are located at an altitude between 150-260 meters planted on an alluvial and gravel terrace that rises from the Lot River. On the plateau (or causse) above the terrace, the limestone bedrock is covered by only a thin layer of soil. Benoit is part of a new generation of winemakers in Cahors who focus on terroir, their goal being to showcase the expression of Malbec on various soils in the region that is Malbec's home.
The Clos D'Audhuy is 100% Malbec from vines that average 55 years of age. All fruit is hand-harvested, then fermeneted in stainless steel tanks and aged for 12 months in 400 liter oak barrels, half of which are new. In the glass the wine shows an opaque purple color. The nose is intense and takes a little while to fully open, revealing aromas of macerated black fruits, blueberries, forest floor, leather and spice. The palate is rich and full-bodied, charged with mouth-coating tannins and vibrant acidity to frame flavors of plum, black cherry and blackberry as they flow into a powerful and complex finish. Clos D'Audhuy is an excellent balance of traditional Cahors earthiness and power with clean fruit intensity and approachable structure. Decant before serving and pair with hearty meals like cassoulet or beef stew.
