Wine writer Hugh Johnson used to call Cahors the “manliest” of French wines. Chauvinism aside, he was obviously referring to its black color and rather “full-speed-ahead” style of red. The grape of Cahors is Malbec, and it has found another home where it thrives in the Mendoza province of Argentina. Today’s wine, produced by the Spanish firm of Codorníu-Raventós, is 100% Malbec located in the Argentinean sub-region of LuJán de Cuyo. It has many of the traits associated with Cahors, but with a more approachable, yet still very direct, M.O.
2014 Malbec, Bodega Septima, Mendoza $14 srp
Dark purple robe. Engaging, focused nose of plum compote, wild mushroom, cedar, tar, earth and charcoal. Flavors are unsubtle but satisfying, with a saturated, “dusky” fruit texture. A brawny yet dashing mouth feel is not too heavy, yet a bit rough around the edges. Perfect for winter stews, black bean eggplant or a hearty lentil soup. Drink now-2018.
88/100 points (good value)
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.com.
