The
wines of Clos
Triguedina, Cahors
UK agent: Les Caves de Pyrene (they also have a retail
shop open to the public)
Pew Corner, Old Portsmouth Road, Artington, Guildford GU13 1UP, tel:
01483 538 820, email: sales@lescaves.co.uk
Clos Triguedina was first planted in 1830 by Etienne Baldès,
and eight generations on the vineyard is owned by the same family –
these wines were presented by Jean-Luc Baldès, the current winemaker.
The vineyard was totally replanted in the 1880s following
phylloxera, and because it enjoys a favourable microclimate it was
only partially affected by the great frosts of 1956, which caused
havoc in the appellation. As a result, Triguedina has some very old
vines, which is unusual in this region.
But for all its history, this domaine is one of the
modernizers in Cahors, with a spanking new winery and lots of new
barrels. Interestingly, Baldès does two deliberately different styles
of wine. The Clos de Triguedina demonstrates typicity, and the Prince
Probus super cuvee demonstrates what he calls ‘the power of Cahors’.
I like them both very much.
I’m keen on the wines of southwestern France generally.
They’re interesting. And these are as good a starting point as any
for getting a sense of the potential that is now being realised by
dedicated growers.
Château Balmont 1998 Cahors
This wine isn’t aiming at complexity, but forward fruit. Baldès
says it is pitched at people who don’t like Cahors! Open, striking
nose of savoury red fruits and damsons. Very stylish. The palate is
dominated by soft, inky sweet-edged fruit with some Cahors
‘darkness’ lurking in the background. Very good+ 87/100
Clos de Triguedina 1999 Cahors
80% Malbec (known locally as Auxerrois), 15% Merlot, 5% Tannat.
One third new barrels. 30 years minimum vine age. Dark wine with a
savoury, intense nose. The palate is almost impenetrable – chewy and
tannic with lots of firm red and black fruits. Good typicity here.
Very good+ 89/100
Clos de Triguedina 2000 Cahors
Sweet, slightly smoky fruit on the nose. This is another dark
wine. The concentrated, spicy-edged palate is taut and massively
structured with lots of power. Very savoury and traditional in style.
Very good/excellent 91/100
Prince Probus 1999 Cahors
100% Malbec aged in new Allier oak. This shows ripe, sweet fruit
with a spice and coffee blast from the new oak. Very classy and
intense – quite exotic. Hugely concentrated spicy, chunky palate
with lots of new oak masking the Cahors savouriness a little. Very
good/excellent 90/100
Prince Probus 2000 Cahors
Opaque red/purple colour. Knockout nose of roast coffee, spice and
sweet fruit: exotic and rich. The palate is hugely concentrated with
ripe berry fruits and firm, smooth tannins. This is boldly flavoured
stuff although currently the spicy oak is just a little prominent.
Very good/excellent 91/100
see also: Spotlight
on the wines of Cahors
Back to top
|